Government ramps up LPG supplies, urges no panic amid Middle East crisis –

The government has boosted LPG supplies across the country and urged consumers to avoid panic buying amid concerns about unrest linked to the Strait of Hormuz, PTI reported on Sunday.Sales of small 5kg LPG cylinders, available over the counter from distributors with valid ID proof, have been increased to meet the demand. These market priced cylinders do not require proof of address unlike the local 14.2kg backed cylinders.

“Yesterday (April 4), more than 90 thousand 5 kg FTL cylinders were sold. Since March 23, 2026, about 6.6 thousand 5 kg FTL cylinders have been sold,” the Ministry of Oil said in a statement.The ministry said there were no reports of shortages at distribution points, as more than 51,000 local cylinders were delivered in one day. Online bookings accounted for 95% of the total demand.Authorities have intensified anti-hoarding and black marketing measures, confiscating more than 50,000 cylinders since March and issuing more than 1,400 showdown notices to LPG distributors. So far, 36 agencies have been suspended.

The government has prioritized the supply of domestic LPG and pipelined natural gas (PNG), especially for homes and essential services such as hospitals and educational institutions. Refinery production has been increased, while demand is being managed through extended LPG refilling intervals.Commercial LPG supplies are capped at 70% of pre-crisis levels, with smaller cylinders becoming more widely available to ease pressure.On the natural gas front, full supplies to homes and transportation are maintained, while supplies to fertilizer plants are expected to rise to around 90% of average consumption as of April 6, supported by incoming LNG shipments.The ministry said that all refineries are operating at high capacity with sufficient crude stock, and that gasoline pumps are still completely full throughout the country, confirming its advice to rely on official information and avoid panic buying.