Govt crackdown on LPG violations: 1.16 lakh raids, 50+ LPG distributors suspended; assures ‘no shortage of domestic LPG’

The Centre has stepped up surveillance of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) distribution nationwide, conducting more than 1.16 lakh raids to curb irregularities. As part of the crackdown, 53 LPG distributors have been suspended for violating norms, officials said on Thursday.

Addressing the Inter-Ministerial briefing on developments in West Asia, Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, highlighted the scale of enforcement. She highlighted that nearly 3,300 raids were carried out in a single day, leading to the seizure of over 600 cylinders.

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Oil marketing companies have issued 1,870 show-cause notices to LPG distributors as part of the ongoing action. Authorities say the measures are aimed at ensuring transparency and preventing malpractice in the supply chain.

No shortage for household consumers

Despite global supply pressures triggered by geopolitical tensions, the government has maintained that domestic LPG availability remains stable. Officials emphasised that household consumers are being given top priority, with supply fully secured.

No cases of ‘dry-out’ have been reported at distributor points, Sharma said, underscoring that the system continues to function without disruption for domestic users.

India depends on imports for roughly 60 per cent of its LPG requirements. While international developments have impacted supply conditions, the government has taken steps to safeguard availability for essential consumption.

On the commercial front, LPG supply has been affected but is showing signs of recovery. Current availability stands at around 70 per cent, with bulk supplies being restored for key sectors such as pharmaceuticals, food processing, agriculture, packaging, and paints.

Distribution levels remain robust, with over 51 lakh LPG cylinders delivered to households in a single day earlier this week. Officials attributed the efficiency to increased digitisation, noting that 98 per cent of bookings are now made online, while 92 per cent of deliveries are verified through OTP systems.