LPG Shortage: The government announced that the daily quantity of 5 kg FTL (Free Trade LPG) cylinders ("Chhotu") allocated to each State for distribution to migrant labourers is being doubled, in an attempt to support the marginalised section amid reports of a domestic LPG shortage.
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, in its letter to the Chief Secretaries of all states and Union Territories, said that the increase is based on the average daily supply (number of cylinders) provided to migrant labourers during March 2 to 3. The allocation is beyond the earlier limit of 20% mentioned in the Ministry's letter dated 21.03.2026.
These 5 kg FTL cylinders will be placed at the disposal of the respective State Governments or their Food / Civil Supplies Departments. The cylinders are to be supplied exclusively to migrant labourers, with logistical and operational support from Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs).
"It is conveyed that the daily quantity of 5kg FTL cylinder in each State available for disbursal to migrant labourers is being doubled based on the average daily supply (of cylinders) to migrant labourers, during 2nd - 3rd March 2026 beyond the limit of 20% mentioned in Para 2(a) of the letter of 21.3.2026. These 5kg FTL cylinders will be at the disposal of the State Government / its Food / Civil Supplies Department for supplying only to migrant labourers in their State with the assistance of OMCs," the letter from the Ministry said. The move will provide relief to migrant workers, students and daily-wage earners.
No Document Required For 5-Kilogram Free Trade LPG
Recently, the government has allowed the sale of 5-kilogram Free Trade LPG (FTL) cylinders without requiring address proof. People can now get these cylinders from authorised distributors by showing only a valid ID card.
ALSO READ: LPG Supply Alert: Centre Mulls Strategic Reserves Amid Middle East Crisis, Nayara Refinery Shutdown
How One Can Buy FTL Cylinder
According to Chandra Prakash, President of the All India LPG Distributors Federation, the FTL connections can be given to needy and migrant workers who are not able to avail a domestic new connection. Migrant maids, daily-wage labourers, students, and other professionals, who lack a permanent address, can get FTL cylinder by visiting the nearest LPG distributor with a valid ID and a self-declaration letter. The letter should state that they live in the area and will use the cylinder only for cooking purposes.
According to the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, more than 90,000 five-kilogram FTL cylinders were sold in a single day. Since March 23, 2026, around 6.6 lakh cylinders have been sold across the country.
(With ANI Inputs)