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Centre doubles allocation of small LPG cylinders for migrant workers in all states, UTs

Scroll | April 7, 2026 7:40 PM CST

The Union government on Monday doubled the daily allocation of 5 kg free trade liquefied petroleum gas cylinders for migrant labourers in all states and Union Territories, IANS reported.

Free Trade 5 kg LPG cylinders are designed for easy purchase without mandatory address proof and are primarily used by migrant populations in urban and semi-urban areas.

The revised allocation is based on the average daily number of cylinders supplied to migrant workers on March 2 and March 3, and goes beyond the earlier cap of 20% set in a March 21 order.

In a communication to chief secretaries, the Ministry for Petroleum and Natural Gas said that the cylinders would be placed at the disposal of state governments and their food or civil supplies departments, and are to be distributed exclusively to migrant labourers with support from oil marketing companies.

It comes amid disruptions in energy supplies to India since the conflict in West Asia broke out on February 28. Iran has effectively blocked the Strait of Hormuz, through which about 20% of global petroleum liquids supply passes, for most commercial ships.

This has affected LPG supplies in India. The country imports about 60% of its LPG demand, most of it from Gulf countries.

However, the Union government has repeatedly said that there is no shortage of LPG in the country.

Amid the...