New Delhi, April 5 Sales of small 5-kg LPG cylinders – available at LPG distribution centers upon showing valid ID proof – have been increased, with about 6.6 lakh cylinders sold since March 23 as the government ramps up supplies to meet demand.
Unlike the subsidized 14.2-kg domestic cylinders, the 5 kg bottles, known as FTL cylinders, are priced at market rates and do not require any address proof for purchase from a nearby LPG distribution center.
"Yesterday (April 4), more than 90,000 5 Kg FTL cylinders were sold. Since March 23, 2026, about 6.6 lakh 5 Kg FTL cylinders have been sold," the oil ministry said in a statement.
The ministry stated that there are no reports of shortages at LPG distribution points, with more than 51 lakh domestic cylinders delivered on the same day, and online bookings accounting for 95 per cent of total demand.
Authorities have intensified action against hoarding and black marketing, seizing over 50,000 cylinders since March and issuing more than 1,400 show-cause notices to LPG distributors, with 36 dealerships suspended so far.
The government has prioritized the supply of domestic LPG and piped natural gas (PNG), particularly for households and essential services such as hospitals and educational institutions, while boosting refinery output and managing demand by extending LPG refill intervals.
Commercial LPG supplies have been capped at 70 per cent of pre-crisis levels, with smaller cylinders being widely available to ease pressure on demand.
Regarding natural gas, the government stated that full supplies are being maintained for households and transport, while supplies to fertilizer plants are set to rise to about 90 per cent of average consumption from April 6, supported by incoming LNG cargoes.
All refineries are operating at high capacity with adequate crude inventories, and petrol pumps across the country remain fully stocked, the ministry said, reiterating its advice to avoid panic buying and rely on official information.
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