As the LPG crisis continues, there has been a significant drop in panic buying by the people. The tables turned as the government assured people there will be no more shortage of cooking gas, petrol, and diesel despite the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
How Has The Panic Buying Shrunk?
Refineries were directed to increase production, which in turn maximised 30 per cent LPG output. Centre claimed that adequate stocks exist and the usual delivery cycle will be maintained. As the Strait of Hormuz is facing potential disruptions, India has managed to get oil supplies from several other countries such as Norway, Canada, and Algeria, Petroleum and natural gas minister, Hardeep Singh Puri said.
On March 14, 2026, daily LPG cylinder bookings significantly decreased, falling to 77 lakh from 88.8 lakh the day before. The percentage of digital transactions increased despite this decline in volume, with online reservations going from 84 per cent to roughly 87 per cent. Most importantly, authorities report no dry-outs or stock shortages at any LPG distributorships, indicating that supply systems are stable nationwide.
To combat the issue, the minimum gap for booking domestic LPG cylinders was extended to 25 days to decrease panic buying of the cooking gas.
Oil marketing companies (OMCs) promoted digital, app-based bookings. This move made the crowds at physical distribution centres reduce. The rush for rapid refills has started to lessen as the initial anxiety fades and consumers realize that supplies are being replenished, especially with the promotion of alternatives such as piped natural gas (PNG) and electric induction for cooking.
What triggered the LPG Crisis
India's crude oil, LPG, and liquefied natural gas supplies have been disrupted due to global shipping constraints after the US and Israel's war with Iran halted traffic through the Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz. India's crude oil, LPG, and liquefied natural gas supplies have been disrupted due to global shipping constraints after the US. and Israel's war with Iran halted traffic through the Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz.
Several households in India are suffering greatly as a result of the LPG issue. Numerous films that have gone viral demonstrate how paying-guest hotels have reduced their menus, while small businesses are suffering as a result of gas cylinder shortages or supply delays.
People claim they are being forced to rely on temporary substitutes as cooking fuel becomes more difficult to obtain in some places; some online comments suggest that this scenario may now be affecting school kitchens as well.