According to reports, state-owned oil marketing companies in India are considering filling only ~10 kg of gas in typical 14.2 kg domestic LPG cylinders to conserve supply and increase access to more people amid the acute shortage caused by the blockage in the Strait of Hormuz.
According to *The Economic Times* (March 23, 2026), industry officials say the proposal is aimed at prolonging declining domestic inventories and reduced imports due to the ongoing conflict in Iran (US-Israel attacks since late February). Shipping through this critical chokepoint—which provides ~90% of India’s LPG coming from the Middle East—has slowed down significantly; Most shipping movements have been halted due to strikes, restrictions and risks. Only a few ships (e.g., select Indian-flagged ships) have passed through recently, a very small portion of the daily requirement (~93,500 tonnes of consumption), and very little new cargo is in transit.
A full 14.2 kg cylinder lasts 35–40 days in a typical household; A 10 kg cylinder can last for ~30 days, which will enable its supply to more people. If approved, the cylinders will be clearly labeled to indicate underfilling, and prices will be reduced proportionately. To implement this, the bottling plant will have to be recalibrated and regulatory approvals will have to be obtained.
Officials are concerned about possible confusion, protests and political fallout, especially as assembly elections approach. Supply pressure may soon increase further, limiting options.
Petroleum Ministry Joint Secretary Sujata Sharma described the LPG issue as “worrying”, and appealed to people to save gas, avoid panic booking, use piped gas where possible and take measures to prevent hoarding. Government efforts include increasing refinery production (which has increased significantly), prioritizing households/institutions, restricting commercial use, and diversifying sources of supply (e.g., contracts with the US).
The crisis highlights the vulnerabilities of India’s energy security—where ~60% of LPG is imported—and also highlights the need for long-term sustainability amid geopolitical risks.
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