The Central Government has clarified that there is no shortage of LPG in India and warned that strict action will be taken against individuals involved in black marketing and hoarding of LPG cylinders. The statement comes amid reports of long queues outside gas agencies in several parts of the country as people rush to secure additional cylinders.
The government has urged citizens not to panic or stockpile LPG cylinders, stating that adequate supplies are available across the country.
Limit on LPG Cylinders Per Household
According to existing regulations, a household in India is allowed to keep a maximum of two LPG cylinders at a time. One cylinder should be connected to the gas stove, while the second can be kept as a spare for emergency use.
Keeping more than the permitted number of cylinders without authorization is not allowed. Since LPG is a highly inflammable substance, strict safety regulations have been implemented to prevent accidents and misuse.
Authorities have warned that keeping excess cylinders beyond the permitted limit may be treated as hoarding or black marketing and will invite legal action.
Strict Penalties for Hoarding and Black Marketing
Officials stated that individuals involved in illegal storage or black marketing of LPG cylinders may face heavy penalties. Depending on the severity of the offence, violators could be fined and even sentenced to imprisonment.
Under the Gas Cylinder Rules, 2016 issued by the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation, households are not allowed to store more cylinders than the permitted limit. Only licensed and authorized institutions are allowed to maintain larger LPG stocks.
Essential Commodities Act Invoked
To prevent artificial shortages, the government has also invoked the Essential Commodities Act, 1955.
Under Section 7 of the Act, hoarding essential commodities such as LPG cylinders can lead to strict punishment. Offenders may face a minimum of three months and up to seven years in prison along with monetary fines.
Additionally, under Section 6A of the Act, authorities have the power to seize excess LPG cylinders stored illegally.
Panic Buying Creating Artificial Shortage
Despite the government’s assurance that there is no LPG shortage, panic buying has been reported in several places. Long queues have been seen outside gas agencies as people rush to stock cylinders due to fears triggered by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
Officials say this panic-driven hoarding has led to temporary supply disruptions and encouraged illegal black market activities.
Oil Companies to Ensure Adequate Supply
To avoid any disruption in supply, Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) will supply around 20 percent of the country’s monthly commercial LPG requirement.
Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri informed the Lok Sabha that OMCs will begin this additional supply with the support of state governments from today.
The government has appealed to the public not to panic and to avoid unnecessary stockpiling, assuring that sufficient LPG supplies are available across the country