Centre Extends LPG Cylinder Booking Gap to 25 Days

Centre Extends LPG Cylinder Booking Interval to 25 Days

The Union government has increased the minimum waiting period between LPG cylinder bookings from 21 days to 25 days as part of measures aimed at curbing black marketing of cooking gas cylinders.

Officials said the change was introduced after authorities noticed a surge in early bookings by consumers amid concerns about possible shortages.

Government Revises LPG Booking Rule

According to government sources, several households have recently begun booking cylinders earlier than usual. Consumers who typically booked a cylinder once every 55 days were reportedly placing bookings within 15 days.

Authorities said the trend raised concerns about hoarding and possible diversion of domestic LPG cylinders.

To regulate the booking cycle and prevent misuse, the government earlier introduced a 21-day lock-in period between bookings. The latest revision extends this waiting period to 25 days.

Move Aims to Prevent Black Marketing

Officials said the measure is intended to prevent black marketing of LPG cylinders and ensure proper distribution to genuine domestic consumers.

The government has also instructed oil refining companies to prioritise supply to household consumers rather than commercial users.

The step is part of a broader effort to ensure uninterrupted LPG availability across the country.

Recent Price Increase on LPG Cylinders

The revision in booking rules comes shortly after the Centre increased LPG cylinder prices.

The price of domestic LPG cylinders was recently raised by ₹60, while commercial LPG cylinders saw a price increase of ₹114.5.

A detailed report on the recent price revision can be read here.

Government Monitoring Supply Situation

Government officials said India currently has adequate stocks of petroleum products, including petrol, diesel, and aviation turbine fuel.

Despite rising international crude oil prices, authorities indicated that there is no immediate plan to increase gasoline or diesel prices.

Officials also said that countries such as Algeria, Australia, Canada, and Norway have shown interest in supplying LPG to India.

Ensuring Stable LPG Supply

The Centre said the revised booking rule will help stabilize LPG distribution and prevent panic bookings by consumers.

Authorities believe the new system will support more balanced supply management and reduce opportunities for illegal resale of cylinders.

Officials added that monitoring of LPG supply and booking patterns will continue to ensure domestic consumers receive uninterrupted access to cooking gas.