To tackle the worsening shortage of commercial LPG cylinders across the nation, the Union Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has issued a decisive mandate to state governments. In a high-level directive, the Ministry has urged state administrations to take the lead in monitoring supply chains and curbing the black marketing of 19-kg commercial cylinders. This move comes as thousands of small-scale eateries and industrial units struggle with inconsistent fuel availability and inflated prices.

The central directive emphasizes the need for state-level enforcement agencies to conduct regular inspections at distributor godowns. The Ministry pointed out that artificial shortages are often created by unscrupulous middlemen to drive up prices. To counter this, District Magistrates have been empowered to oversee the distribution process and ensure that no hoarding takes place. Furthermore, the Center has asked states to strictly prohibit the illegal diversion of subsidized domestic cylinders for commercial use, a practice that frequently depletes stock for ordinary households.

A senior official from the Petroleum Ministry stated that while international supply chains are stabilizing, local distribution bottlenecks remain a concern. States have been authorized to take direct legal action, including the cancellation of licenses of distributors found guilty of malpractice. By delegating these powers, the Center aims to streamline the availability of commercial fuel in 2026 and protect the interests of the MSME sector. The ministry also plans to launch a digital tracking system in collaboration with states to monitor real-time stock levels at every regional hub.