On March 17, 2026, Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) issued an advisory urging customers to book LPG cylinders only when needed, as a response to recent fluctuations in booking patterns. This comes after a notable drop in bookings, with approximately 77 lakh recorded on March 14, down from 88.8 lakh on March 13.

In light of the situation, IOC emphasized, “Please book your LPG refill only when required and avoid panic bookings.” The advisory aims to mitigate hoarding behaviors that could disrupt supply chains.

Online LPG cylinder bookings have seen a significant increase, rising from 84% to about 87%. This shift indicates a growing reliance on digital platforms for booking, which may help streamline the process amidst rising demand.

To further manage the situation, the government has introduced a minimum waiting period of 25 days in urban areas and 45 days in rural regions before consumers can book another cylinder. Under normal circumstances, LPG cylinders are expected to be delivered within 2 to 3 days after booking; however, some delays have been reported.

In a bid to ensure safe transit of gas supplies, the Indian Navy has deployed two task forces of warships to assist merchant vessels and tankers carrying gas and crude oil. This move is crucial given the ongoing disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for global oil supplies.

As of now, the price of a 14 kg LPG cylinder is ₹913.00 in New Delhi, ₹912.50 in Mumbai, ₹939.00 in Kolkata, ₹928.50 in Chennai, ₹915.50 in Bengaluru, and ₹965.00 in Hyderabad, following a recent price hike of ₹60.

Despite these challenges, Central Government Officials have stated, “There is no actual shortage of LPG in the country,” aiming to reassure consumers about the availability of fuel.

A one-time password (OTP) is sent to the registered mobile number for delivery verification when the cylinder reaches the consumer’s home, adding an extra layer of security to the process.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding how long the gas booking app will maintain its leading position in the market, as consumer behaviors continue to evolve in response to these advisories.

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