The West Asia conflict that erupted in late February has impacted global energy markets, affecting gas cylinder prices in India. As a result, the price of a 14.2 kg domestic LPG cylinder has increased by Rs 60. Meanwhile, commercial cylinder prices have seen three hikes in April alone, totaling Rs 196.
In response to these rising costs, the Indian government has introduced stricter LPG booking rules. The interval between bookings has shifted from 21 days to 25 days for urban households, and rural areas now face a staggering 45-day wait. This move aims to manage supply more effectively amid fluctuating global prices.
Officials have noted that an OTP-based delivery authentication system will likely become permanent for LPG deliveries. This system enhances security and efficiency in the delivery process—an essential step as online bookings soar to approximately 98% of total transactions.
Moreover, Aadhaar-based biometric authentication is now mandatory for beneficiaries of the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana who have not completed their eKYC process. This requirement adds another layer of compliance for households relying on government-subsidized gas connections.
Households with existing piped natural gas (PNG) connections face additional regulations; they cannot surrender their domestic LPG connections. If they do not switch to PNG despite its availability, their LPG supply will cease after three months—a significant shift aimed at promoting cleaner energy sources.
Since March 2026, approximately 5.45 lakh PNG connections have been established across the country, reflecting the government’s push towards this alternative fuel source. In fact, there are plans for an additional 2.62 lakh PNG connections infrastructure to support this transition.
Looking ahead, further revisions in LPG prices are anticipated from May 1, 2026. Observers remain cautious about how these changes will impact consumers already grappling with increased living costs due to rising energy prices.
