New LPG Connections Remain Suspended, Here's When Will Distributors Resume Bookings?

India has been increasing its imports of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the United States due to conflicts in the Middle East, geopolitical tensions, and supply disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. In July, India imported a record 8.9 lakh tonnes of LPG from the US, followed by 6.2 lakh tonnes in August. This influx has helped maintain domestic supplies despite reduced imports from the UAE, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia.

However, new domestic LPG connections have been temporarily suspended since March 2026. Oil marketing companies have ceased issuing new connections due to geopolitical tensions. Distributors are currently focusing on refilling cylinders for existing customers to ensure essential supplies continue. The government has stated that the suspension is temporary and that normal services will resume once conditions improve.

No reopening date has been announced for the issuance of new connections. Oil companies are currently performing a compulsory e-KYC verification exercise and are removing duplicate and fake LPG connections from the system. The portal for new bookings is expected to reopen after these processes are completed, likely taking a few more months.

In the meantime, LPG prices remain unchanged despite the suspension of new connections. Indian Oil, Bharat Petroleum, and Hindustan Petroleum have not revised domestic cooking gas prices. As of August 27, a 19-kg commercial LPG cylinder costs approximately Rs 200.