Due to the outbreak of the West Asia war in mid-February, the world energy industry finds itself in a crisis due to supply shortages, delays in delivery, and a rise in price. It was for this reason that the Indian government came up with stringent regulations for mitigating the crisis of LPG shortage. If the conflict in the Middle East continues, numerous amendments will come into effect in May 2026.
LPG cylinder booking norms May 2026
According to several reports, oil marketing firms such as Indian Oil, BPCL, and HPCL are in talks regarding the introduction of new norms for LPG cylinder bookings and deliveries. The new norm is scheduled to be declared in May 2026 and will completely alter the present booking pattern.
Revision of LPG prices in India from May 1, 2026, is one of the biggest expectations. The Indian oil industry had increased the price of LPG cylinders by Rs. 60 in 14.2 KG cylinders post the US-Israel-Iran War. However, for 19 Kg LPG cylinder prices, there were three revisions in just one month.
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In metro cities in April 2026, there was a rise of Rs. 196 to Rs. 218 in 19Kg LPG cylinder prices. It was after the hike of Rs. 114.5 per cylinder by OMCs on March 7, post the increase of Rs. 28 to Rs. 31 per cylinder on March 1, 2026.
Moreover, there is an expectation that the companies may revise the lock-in period of booking LPG cylinders from the existing difference of 25 days between two consecutive bookings. Furthermore, it is expected that the OTP system of delivery would remain permanent.
According to the latest news released by the Government, even amid the existing geopolitical tension, it has assured 100% supplies of domestic LPG cylinders, PNG, and CNG for transport use.
The share of online bookings of LPG cylinders rose to 98%, whereas the DAC system-based deliveries reached 94% to avoid any possible diversion.
In the case of commercial LPG, preference has been given to hospitals, schools/colleges/educational institutes. Apart from this, preference has been given to other sectors, including the pharmaceutical industry, steel, automobiles, seeds, and agriculture. Moreover, the supply of 5 Kg FTL to migrants has also been doubled.
Gas cylinder booking rules for 45-Days and 25-Days
As per the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas, the government has taken various rationalization steps so far. These include steps on both the supply and demand sides, such as increasing production at refineries, extending the booking period to 25-days in cities and up to 45-days in rural areas while supplying priority sectors.
Aadhaar biometric authentication for LPG customers
In addition, the government made it obligatory for all PMUY consumers to undergo the process of biometric Aadhaar authentication. The clarification issued recently by the ministry is that there is a need for E-KYC only if you haven't done this procedure to date. In case you are a consumer who is not under the PMUY scheme and has already done biometric verification, then you will not be required to do LPG biometric authentication.
Moreover, the ministry informed that the PMUY consumers will need to undergo this process only once a year to get DBT benefits after the 7 refills, that too for the 8th and 9th refills.
Gas cylinder connection to be disconnected after 3 months
In the wake of oil and gas disruptions, the government is giving preference to PNG over LPG. Those consumers of commercial LPG in major cities or urban areas are asked to use PNG connections via email, letter, or online application to the CGD companies.
However, it should be mentioned here that PNG users have been banned from surrendering their connections of domestic LPG and also from making any new connections of LPG.
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In this regard, in March, a new decision of the government stated that if households do not switch to PNG after three months from the availability, their connections to gas cylinders will be discontinued.
According to the latest figures, since March 2026, 5.45 lakh connections have been made for PNG, and infrastructure has been provided for 2.62 lakh more connections, making a total of 8.07 lakh connections. Also, about 6.14 Lakh new customers have been registered for new connections.
