LPG booking gap raised to 25 days to curb hoarding amid Iran war; fuel prices to stay stable: Report

According to the reports, authorities noticed unusual booking patterns in recent weeks. 

While some consumers previously booked LPG cylinders roughly every 55 days, bookings had begun taking place as frequently as every 15 days, raising concerns about possible misuse of the system.

To ensure adequate availability for households, the government has also directed refineries to increase LPG production and prioritise supplies meant for domestic consumers over commercial connections.

“Domestic consumers will always remain the priority,” NDTV, quoting sources, reported, adding that India is also exploring additional LPG supply partnerships.

Several countries, including Algeria, Australia, Canada and Norway, have approached India with offers to supply LPG, the sources added.

Meanwhile, petrol and diesel prices in India are unlikely to rise unless global crude oil prices cross USD 130 per barrel, according to the reports.

They said the country currently has adequate fuel stocks and there is no shortage of petrol or diesel at retail outlets.

“We expect crude oil prices to remain around USD 100 per barrel,” one source said. “There is no problem of petrol and diesel availability at any pump in the country," NDTV reported.

The government has also accelerated efforts to source crude oil through routes other than the Strait of Hormuz, amid concerns over supply disruptions in the region.

Sources further said India has sufficient stocks of Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF), as per reports.

“India is a producer and exporter of ATF, so there is no need to panic about aviation fuel supplies,” they said.

Overall, officials said India is currently better placed than many other countries to manage potential fuel supply disruptions.