The government has introduced a significant policy change allowing 5-kg Free Trade LPG cylinders to be sold without address proof, making it easier for migrant workers, students and daily wage earners to access cooking fuel. According to The Daily Guardian, people can now get these cylinders from authorised distributors by showing only a valid ID card, eliminating the need for address documentation. Chandra Prakash, President of the All India LPG Distributors Federation, called the decision "a good gesture" for vulnerable sections, stating that FTL connections can be given to needy and migrant workers who are not able to avail a domestic new connection. As reported by The Daily Guardian, the facility is now available for migrant maids, daily-wage labourers, students, and professionals who lack a permanent address and can access cooking fuel without bureaucratic hurdles.
In a significant development, the Delhi government has banned direct LPG sales from warehouses to ensure smooth supply across the national capital, as reported by The Hindu BusinessLine. Additionally, the availability of 5 kg LPG cylinders has been significantly expanded nationwide. The ministry of petroleum and natural gas stated that more than 51 lakh domestic LPG cylinders were delivered yesterday, with no reported dry-out at LPG distributorships. To reduce crowds at LPG agencies, the government has asked consumers to use digital platforms for bookings, with citizens requested to use digital modes for booking of LPG cylinders and avoid visiting LPG distributors unless necessary. The ministry of petroleum and natural gas on Tuesday directed states and Union territories to double the daily supply of 5-kg Free Trade LPG cylinders meant for migrant labourers, as reported by The Times of India. Petroleum Secretary Neeraj Mittal stated that the additional cylinders would be distributed exclusively to migrant labourers in respective states with the support of Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs).
The Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Department has issued a clarification allowing migrant workers and students to purchase 5 kg LPG cylinders by presenting valid identity proof, as reported by The Times of India. Beneficiaries who have completed their e-KYC formalities will be eligible to purchase the 5 kg cylinders upon showing their identity cards, with the move expected to streamline distribution and ensure genuine consumers can access LPG without procedural hurdles. However, authorities have warned of strict action against illegal hoarding and black marketing of LPG cylinders, with enforcement agencies continuing to conduct raids to curb malpractice and ensure fair distribution. The initiative is part of the government's broader effort to make essential commodities more accessible while maintaining strict monitoring to prevent misuse and irregularities in the supply chain. States were asked to prioritise LPG distribution, especially for domestic and essential needs, while keeping strict watch against hoarding, diversion and misinformation, as reported by The Times of India.
According to The Hindu BusinessLine, the government reported strong demand for 5-kg FTL cylinders, with more than 90,000 sold in a single day and around 6.6 lakh distributed nationwide since March 23, 2026. The ministry of petroleum and natural gas stated that Delivery Authentication Code (DAC)-based LPG deliveries have risen from 53% in February 2026 to 90% recently to curb diversion at the distributor level. As reported by The Times of India, around 6.75 lakh 5-kg Free Trade LPG cylinders have been sold across the country since March 23, indicating stable and improving supply. Online LPG bookings have risen to about 97 per cent across the industry, while Delivery Authentication Code (DAC)-based deliveries have climbed to around 90 per cent to curb diversion of cylinders. This represents a significant increase in digital adoption for LPG distribution, with the government closely monitoring the situation to ensure uninterrupted energy supply and smooth functioning of key sectors.
As reported by The Hindu BusinessLine, the government is working to ensure smooth availability of petroleum products and LPG across the country while urging citizens to use digital booking methods and avoid unnecessary visits to LPG distributors. The ministry has advised citizens against panic buying or unnecessary LPG bookings, urging reliance on official information sources. At an inter-ministerial briefing on developments in Middle East, Sujata Sharma, joint secretary in the petroleum ministry, dismissed reports of any LPG shortage and said no "dryout" had been reported at petrol pumps or LPG distributorships anywhere in the country, as reported by The Times of India. All petrol pumps across the country were functioning normally, with 6,500 tonnes of commercial LPG sold on Monday to meet ongoing demand. The government stated that LPG supply across the country remains stable, with no reports of shortages, emphasizing that "Govt. is making all efforts to ensure availability of Petrol, Diesel and LPG, and citizens are advised to avoid panic purchase of petrol and diesel as well as unnecessary booking of LPG."
