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Concerns about Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) supply have begun to surface in several parts of India amid ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Reports from multiple cities indicate that commercial LPG cylinders are being sold at sharply inflated prices in the black market, with rates reportedly reaching up to ₹3,000 per cylinder in some areas.

While the central government has assured citizens that domestic LPG supply remains adequate, shortages of commercial cylinders are being felt by restaurants, catering services, temples, and small food businesses in several regions.

Authorities have also instructed state governments to closely monitor LPG distribution and take action against hoarding or illegal resale.

Shortage Impacts Local Markets and Businesses

The supply disruption has started affecting day-to-day operations in several cities. Many commercial kitchens and catering services are reportedly facing delays in cylinder delivery.

In response to the emerging situation, the government has urged state administrations to strengthen monitoring systems and ensure that LPG cylinders are distributed fairly through authorized dealers.

Despite the reports of shortage, officials have emphasized that household LPG supply is currently stable, and consumers should avoid panic buying.

Black Market LPG Prices Reported in Several Cities

Reports suggest that the shortage has led to illegal resale at higher prices in various cities across the country.

Delhi–NCR

Domestic LPG cylinders are reportedly being sold in the black market for around ₹1,400 to ₹1,500, significantly higher than the official price.

Uttar Pradesh Cities

• Bareilly: Domestic cylinders sold ₹200–₹500 above official rates

• Pilibhit: Prices reported ₹100–₹200 higher than normal

• Meerut: Some areas seeing prices above ₹1,400

• Mirzapur: Cylinders reportedly selling around ₹1,300

Ghaziabad and Gorakhpur

In some parts of Ghaziabad, commercial cylinders are reportedly being sold ₹1,500–₹2,000 above the official price, while domestic cylinders cost about ₹100 extra.

In Gorakhpur, domestic cylinders are said to be selling ₹250–₹300 higher, and commercial cylinders ₹500–₹700 above the normal rate.

Ayodhya and Kanpur

Reports indicate that domestic cylinders are being sold ₹200–₹250 above official prices, while commercial cylinders require an additional ₹400–₹500 in some locations.

Major Cities Reporting Higher Commercial LPG Prices

The price surge appears even more significant in several metropolitan areas.

• Mumbai: Commercial LPG cylinders reportedly priced between ₹2,800 and ₹3,000

• Hyderabad: Some reports suggest prices crossing ₹3,000

• Bengaluru: Prices in some areas have risen to 1.5 times the official rate

• Kolkata: Certain markets report commercial cylinders selling around ₹3,000

Eastern India Also Witnessing Price Spike

Several cities in eastern India have also reported similar trends.

• Patna: Domestic cylinders reportedly selling for ₹1,500–₹1,800, while commercial cylinders may cost ₹3,000–₹3,200

• Purnia: Domestic cylinders reportedly reaching ₹1,500–₹2,100, commercial cylinders above ₹3,000

• Gaya: Domestic cylinders selling for ₹1,500–₹2,000

• Jamshedpur: Domestic cylinders around ₹1,400

• Hazaribagh: Black market price reportedly ₹1,500–₹1,700

• Ranchi: Domestic cylinders reportedly ₹1,500–₹1,800

In parts of Vijayawada and other cities in Andhra Pradesh, commercial cylinders have reportedly crossed ₹3,200 in the black market.

Legal Limit on LPG Cylinders at Home

Amid growing concern about supply shortages, authorities have reminded citizens about safety regulations.

Under existing safety rules, a household is permitted to keep:

• Two connected LPG cylinders

• One additional backup cylinder

Keeping more cylinders without official permission may violate safety regulations and could lead to penalties.

Officials have urged people to avoid hoarding cylinders and purchase refills only from authorized LPG distributors.

Government Orders Strict Monitoring

Following reports of illegal resale and hoarding, the central government has instructed state authorities to tighten surveillance on LPG distribution.

A high-level meeting was reportedly held under Govind Mohan, India’s Union Home Secretary, with chief secretaries, police officials, and consumer affairs departments from various states.

Authorities have been directed to:

• Monitor LPG distribution closely

• Prevent hoarding and black marketing

• Ensure timely supply through authorized agencies

Why LPG Supply Is Under Pressure

India consumes approximately 31.3 million tonnes of LPG every year, with around 87% used by households and the remainder consumed by commercial sectors such as hotels and restaurants.

The country imports nearly 62% of its LPG requirements, making supply vulnerable to global disruptions.

Experts say the current tensions affecting shipping routes near the **Strait of Hormuz—a key maritime corridor through which 85–90% of India’s LPG imports from West Asia pass—have contributed to supply concerns.

Authorities Urge Calm

Despite the rising prices reported in local markets, the government maintains that domestic LPG supply remains sufficient and has appealed to consumers not to panic or hoard cylinders.

Officials say strict enforcement measures and improved distribution monitoring are being implemented to curb black marketing and ensure fair access to LPG across the country.

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