Following Price Hike, Centre Introduces 21-Day Gap Rule for LPG Cylinder Bookings

New Delhi: The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has introduced new restrictions on domestic Liquefied Petroleum Gas cylinder bookings, mandating a 21-day gap between the delivery of a cylinder and the booking of the next one.

Under the new rules, consumers will be able to book a fresh cylinder only after 21 days from the date they receive their previously booked LPG cylinder. The change has been implemented through software updates by oil marketing companies, effectively preventing bookings within the lock-in period.

Officials said the rule will come into effect from Friday, and distribution agencies have been instructed to strictly follow the new system.

The decision comes shortly after the central government increased LPG prices. Domestic cooking gas cylinders were hiked by ₹60, while commercial LPG cylinders saw an increase of ₹115. The revised prices have already come into effect.

State-run oil marketing companies such as Indian Oil Corporation and Bharat Petroleum have implemented the 21-day booking restriction in their systems.

According to distributors, the move follows an unusual surge in cylinder bookings in recent days, as consumers rushed to secure supplies after news of the price hike. The lock-in period has been introduced primarily to prevent hoarding and ensure equitable distribution of cylinders.

Oil companies have also cited rising global crude oil prices and disruptions in energy imports linked to tensions in West Asia, including concerns surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, as factors affecting fuel pricing.

However, the decision has raised concerns among consumers, with some arguing that the restriction could create difficulties for households that consume LPG more quickly.

The government has not yet issued a detailed clarification addressing these concerns.