New LPG rules effective May 1 may tighten booking and delivery systems in India, as the country grapples with escalating fuel prices. The adjustments come after a recent increase in domestic LPG cylinder prices by ₹60 last month, alongside multiple hikes for commercial cylinders.
Booking intervals for LPG have lengthened, affecting both urban and rural consumers. Currently, the lock-in period for booking LPG cylinders stands at 25 days, which may lead to inconvenience for many users.
Additionally, the new regulations mandate OTP-based delivery and Aadhaar eKYC verification for numerous customers. This development aims to enhance security but could complicate the booking process for some users.
The price of a standard 14.2 kg domestic LPG cylinder rose by ₹60 in March, while commercial cylinders experienced significant increases—first by ₹144 in March and then nearly ₹200 on April 1. These changes reflect ongoing fluctuations in the energy market.
Online bookings have surged, now accounting for nearly 98% of total requests for LPG cylinders. This shift highlights a growing reliance on digital platforms amid changing consumer behavior.
Sujata Sharma from the government advised citizens against panic purchasing of fuel products, emphasizing that efforts are underway to ensure adequate supply of petrol, diesel, and LPG. However, anxiety persists regarding future price hikes.
The geopolitical tensions surrounding the US-Israel war with Iran continue to disrupt energy markets, contributing to rising fuel prices. As a result, consumers remain uncertain about whether LPG prices will rise again on May 1.
This regulatory shift underscores the government’s attempt to manage resources amid fluctuating global markets while trying to balance consumer needs against supply challenges.
