The Government of India has invoked the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) to ensure uninterrupted supply of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) across the country amid concerns over possible shortages. Authorities have also directed oil refineries to divert key production streams to boost domestic LPG availability.
The decision comes as demand for cooking gas continues to rise and global energy markets remain volatile. Officials said the move is aimed at preventing any disruption in LPG distribution and ensuring that households across the country continue to receive regular cylinder supplies.
Under ESMA, strikes or disruptions in essential services can be restricted to maintain normal functioning. By invoking the law, the government intends to ensure that workers involved in critical energy services including refining, transportation, and distribution continue operations without interruption.
Alongside the legal step, the government has instructed major public sector oil companies such as Indian Oil Corporation, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited to prioritise LPG production. Refineries have been ordered to divert certain petroleum streams normally used for other fuel outputs towards LPG manufacturing to strengthen domestic supply.
Energy officials said the measure is part of a broader strategy to stabilise cooking gas availability and manage supply chains effectively during a period of global uncertainty in the oil market. Ensuring adequate LPG stocks is particularly important in India, where millions of households depend on the fuel for daily cooking needs.
Sources in the petroleum ministry indicated that the diversion of refinery streams will temporarily reduce the production of some other petroleum products, but authorities believe the step is necessary to maintain LPG distribution without disruption.
The government has also asked state authorities and oil marketing companies to closely monitor distribution networks and maintain adequate stock levels at bottling plants and storage depots. This will help ensure that LPG cylinders continue reaching both urban and rural consumers without delay.
Industry experts say the decision reflects the government’s priority to protect essential household energy supplies, especially at a time when global crude markets and geopolitical tensions are creating uncertainty in fuel availability.
Officials added that the situation will be reviewed regularly, and additional steps may be taken if required to keep LPG supply stable in the coming weeks.
