New LPG rules from May 1 may further tighten booking and delivery systems amid rising fuel prices. The recent adjustments come as domestic LPG cylinder prices have already increased by ₹60, with commercial cylinders facing even steeper hikes.
Oil marketing companies typically revise LPG prices at the start of each month. Just last month, the price of a 14.2 kg domestic LPG cylinder rose by ₹60, while commercial cylinders saw an initial increase of ₹144, followed by another hike of nearly ₹200 on April 1.
As anxiety around fuel prices grows—partly due to ongoing geopolitical tensions—the new regulations introduce stricter cylinder booking rules. For many users, OTP-based delivery and Aadhaar eKYC are now required to access these services.
The implications extend beyond just booking. Currently, online bookings account for nearly 98% of total requests for LPG, indicating a significant shift in consumer behavior. Meanwhile, the lock-in period for booking LPG cylinders has been set at 25 days, further complicating access for consumers.
Sujata Sharma emphasized that citizens should avoid panic purchases, stating, “Citizens are advised to avoid panic purchase of petrol, diesel and LPG as the government is making all efforts to ensure availability of petrol, diesel and LPG.” Yet, whether LPG prices will rise again on May 1 remains uncertain.
