LPG Demand Approaches Normalcy Amid Global Supply Challenges

India's cooking gas LPG demand is nearing normal levels as domestic supply increases. The government prioritized household supplies over commercial during the West Asia crisis. Efforts like boosting domestic production and encouraging PNG connections have stabilized supply, with online bookings dominating consumer demand.

The demand for cooking gas LPG in India is inching back to normal levels as domestic supplies see a resurgence, according to a senior official. The availability of LPG was disrupted due to global energy supply issues stemming from the conflict in West Asia.

The Indian government took decisive measures, prioritizing household consumption by curtailing supplies to commercial sectors like hotels and restaurants. This prioritization led to a surge in LPG bookings, which reached a peak of 88 lakh per day last month, against a pre-crisis norm of around 45 lakh daily bookings.

Efforts to enhance domestic LPG output, coupled with the rise in online bookings and a shift towards piped natural gas, have helped stabilize the situation. Meanwhile, commercial LPG supply has also improved, reaching 70% of pre-crisis levels, aided by state-run oil marketing companies.

(With inputs from agencies.)