New Delhi

The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas on Wednesday dismissed reports circulating on social media about revised LPG refill booking timelines, calling them misleading and incorrect.

In an official statement, the Ministry clarified that no changes have been made to the existing refill booking rules. It said the current timelines—25 days in urban areas and 45 days in rural areas—remain applicable for all consumers, regardless of the type of LPG connection.

The clarification came after claims surfaced suggesting new waiting periods for different categories of consumers, including beneficiaries of the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY). The Ministry urged citizens not to believe or spread such misinformation and cautioned against panic booking of LPG cylinders.

Reassuring the public, the government said that LPG supplies across the country are adequate and there is no need for concern.

A day earlier, at an inter-ministerial briefing on the West Asia situation, Joint Secretary Sujata Sharma stated that fuel availability remains stable. She noted that refineries are operating at high capacity with sufficient crude reserves, ensuring steady supplies of petrol, diesel and LPG.

Sharma also addressed recent instances of panic buying triggered by rumours, emphasising that oil marketing companies and local authorities have already issued clarifications. She pointed out that operations across more than one lakh fuel retail outlets remain normal.

The government is also accelerating the rollout of Piped Natural Gas (PNG) connections. The Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board has directed city gas distribution entities to provide PNG connections within five days to institutions such as schools, hostels and community kitchens where pipeline infrastructure exists. Around 7,500 new connections were reportedly provided in a single day across multiple regions.

On LPG supply, Sharma acknowledged that geopolitical tensions have had some impact but said multiple cargo shipments are already scheduled. She added that no shortages have been reported at distributorships, despite a temporary rise in bookings.

To ensure supply to essential sectors, the government recently increased the allocation of commercial LPG to about 50 per cent of total demand, covering establishments such as restaurants, hotels, industrial canteens and community kitchens.

Under the Ujjwala scheme, LPG access is also being expanded among migrant workers, with additional connections and smaller cylinders being distributed.

Authorities have stepped up enforcement to curb irregularities. Control rooms and district-level monitoring committees have been activated across 32 states, while thousands of inspections and raids have been carried out. These efforts have led to seizures, FIRs, arrests, and action against erring distributors.

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Reiterating the government’s position, Sharma urged the public to ignore rumours and avoid panic buying, stressing that fuel supplies across the country remain stable and sufficient.