Commercial LPG cylinder distribution has begun in all States and Union Territories, while authorities have stepped up raids and surprise inspections across the country to curb hoarding and black-marketing amid heightened pressure on cooking gas supplies, a senior oil ministry official said on Saturday (March 14, 2026). Also read: West Asia war war updates on March 14, 2026Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, said panic booking continues to rise despite the fact that there are enough stocks available to meet domestic household requirements of cooking gas LPG. The Government has also asked OMCs to launch a campaign promoting digital booking of LPG refills and spreading awareness to prevent panic buying. Meanwhile, two Indian ships carrying LPG from the Gulf countries crossed the Strait of Hormuz early on Saturday morning (March 14, 2026), raising the number of Indian vessels safely passing through the war-hit, narrow shipping lane to three. Air India, Air India Express have started levying similar charges on flight tickets.

Source: The Hindu March 14, 2026 17:07 UTC