The supply of piped natural gas (PNG) and compressed natural gas (CNG) continues uninterrupted across the country, the government said on Monday, adding that efforts are underway to shift households from LPG to piped gas wherever pipeline networks are available.
During an inter-ministerial briefing, Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary (Marketing and Oil Refinery) at the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, said fuel pumps supplying CNG and household PNG connections are operating normally.
"Supply to both CNG users and PNG consumers is being maintained fully. Authorities have also begun enforcement actions to prevent hoarding. Raids have been carried out in several states as part of checks on fuel storage and supply," she said.
Sharma also noted that crude oil supplies remain adequate. "All refineries are operating at the highest capacity. Our petrol pumps are functioning normally and no dry-outs have been reported so far," she added.
Gas distribution companies have also rolled out incentives for new PNG users. Indraprastha Gas Limited (IGL) has announced free gas worth ₹500 for consumers registering for PNG connections before March 31.
Meanwhile, LPG bookings have declined as panic among consumers over domestic gas availability eased. According to a post by Press Information Bureau (PIB) on X, about 77 lakh LPG bookings were recorded on March 14, 2026, compared with 88.8 lakh bookings on March 13.
Online LPG cylinder bookings have also increased from 84 per cent to around 87 per cent, while no dry-outs have been reported at LPG distributorships.
Authorities are conducting raids across states to curb hoarding and black marketing, while 22 states and Union Territories have set up control rooms to monitor the situation.
The government has urged consumers to avoid panic bookings, use digital platforms and refrain from unnecessary visits to LPG distributors. LPG cylinders can be booked through IVRS calls, SMS, WhatsApp and mobile applications of oil marketing companies.
According to the ministry, supplies of petrol and diesel are also being maintained normally by Indian Oil Corporation, Bharat Petroleum and Hindustan Petroleum.
The government said it remains committed to ensuring adequate LPG availability for households and essential sectors such as hospitals and educational institutions, while closely monitoring supplies amid the prevailing geopolitical situation.
(With inputs from IANS)
