The Petroleum Ministry on Monday announced that it would increase the supply of 5-kg Free Trade LPG (FTL) cylinders for migrant workers, doubling the allocation based on the average daily distribution recorded on March 2 and 3.
According to the directive, these smaller cylinders will be placed under the control of state governments or their Food and Civil Supplies Departments. The distribution will be carried out exclusively for migrant labourers, with support from public sector oil marketing companies.
“It is conveyed that the daily quantity of 5kg FTL cylinder in each state available for disbursal to migrant labourers is being doubled based on average daily supply to migrant labourers during 2nd – 3rd March 2026 beyond limit of 20% mentioned in Para 2(a) of letter of 21.3.2026," the order said.
In a March 21 order, the government raised the allocation of commercial LPG by an additional 20%, taking the total to 50%. The extra supply was prioritised for key sectors such as restaurants, dhabas, hotels, industrial canteens, food processing and dairy units, as well as subsidised canteens, community kitchens and 5-kg Free Trade LPG (FTL) cylinders for migrant labourers.
The move followed reports of migrant workers leaving cities amid concerns over an LPG shortage linked to the ongoing West Asia conflict. To further ease pressure on industries, the government on March 27 increased commercial LPG allocation to 70%, with priority given to textile and chemical sectors.
The supply crunch has been driven by rising input costs and disruptions in global energy supply chains, particularly due to tensions involving Iran and the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a key transit route for global oil and gas shipments. Government data shows that around 6.75 lakh 5-kg FTL cylinders have been sold since March 23.
Addressing concerns, the oil ministry on April 6 said states have reported no disruption in LPG availability for migrant workers, adding that supplies remain stable. It also advised states to manage targeted distribution of 5-kg FTL cylinders in coordination with oil marketing companies, based on local needs.
Source: News18