NEW DELHI: In a major relief for rural LPG consumers, the Centre has reduced the mandatory gap between two domestic LPG cylinder bookings from 45 days to 25 days, bringing rural customers on par with those in urban areas.
The ministry of petroleum and natural gas has directed state-owned oil marketing companies, including Indian Oil, BPCL and HPCL, to implement the revised rule with immediate effect.
The earlier 45-day gap for rural consumers was introduced amid concerns over LPG shortages, illegal stockpiling and misuse following disruptions to global fuel supplies during the US-Iran conflict in March 2026 and developments around the Strait of Hormuz.
While urban consumers were allowed to book a refill after 25 days, rural customers had to wait for 45 days. The longer waiting period had particularly affected households in villages and beneficiaries of the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana.
The government has now relaxed the restriction following an improvement in LPG availability across the country and a significant decline in the number of pending refill requests.
Union minister of state for petroleum and natural gas Suresh Gopi said there would now be no distinction between urban and rural consumers. Domestic LPG customers across the country will be able to book another cylinder after a gap of 25 days.
The move is expected to benefit millions of rural households, particularly low- and middle-income families and Ujjwala beneficiaries, by making LPG refills more accessible and reducing the difficulties caused by the earlier waiting period.
