New LPG Connections Still Restricted: When Could Bookings Resume and What Consumers Should Know

LPG New Connection Update 2026: Consumers planning to take a new domestic LPG connection may still face restrictions in several parts of India as oil marketing companies continue to prioritise supplies for existing households amid disruptions linked to the West Asia conflict.

The restriction has remained in focus even as India has sharply increased LPG imports from the United States to reduce dependence on traditional Gulf suppliers. Data from maritime intelligence firm Kpler shows that India imported around 0.89 million tonnes of LPG from the US in July and about 0.62 million tonnes in August. US cargoes accounted for more than 73% of India's LPG imports during the period covered by the latest data.

Despite this diversification, the government and oil companies have continued to manage domestic supplies cautiously. An official Press Information Bureau release dated August 18 confirmed that new domestic LPG connections are currently restricted because of the supply situation created by the ongoing war-related crisis.

Why Are New LPG Connections Still Restricted?

The restrictions are linked primarily to supply management rather than a complete absence of LPG in the country.

India has traditionally sourced a large share of its LPG from West Asian producers. Disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz and the wider geopolitical crisis forced oil companies to reorganise their import strategy and prioritise household consumption.

During the initial supply pressure in March 2026, the government introduced several measures to maintain adequate availability of domestic LPG. These included increasing domestic production, managing booking intervals and prioritising households and essential services.

Reports from distributors in April also indicated that oil marketing companies had temporarily stopped or restricted new connections and additional cylinders in some areas as they focused on serving existing customers.

The latest government communication confirms that restrictions on new domestic connections have not yet been completely withdrawn.

When Will New LPG Bookings Start Again?

This is the biggest question for consumers, but there is currently no officially announced nationwide date for the complete restoration of new domestic LPG connections.

The government has described the restriction as being linked to the prevailing supply situation. Therefore, normal issuance is expected to depend on the stabilisation of LPG availability and logistics.

Consumers should be cautious about reports suggesting a fixed reopening date unless the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas or the relevant oil marketing company officially announces one.

IndianOil, BPCL and HPCL may also handle availability differently depending on local supply conditions and distributor stocks.

The safest approach for consumers is to check directly with the authorised distributor or official website/app of their LPG provider before paying any money or submitting an application through a third party.

India Turns to the US for More LPG

India's sourcing pattern has changed dramatically during the West Asia crisis.

Kpler data cited in recent reports shows that India imported around 620,000 tonnes of LPG from the United States in August after receiving approximately 890,000 tonnes in July.

At the same time, supplies from some Gulf countries fell sharply. In August, India reportedly received around 140,000 tonnes from the UAE and about 60,000 tonnes from Qatar, while Saudi Arabia did not supply LPG during July and August.

India is also looking at longer-term diversification. Reuters reported that state-run refiners are planning to source as much as a quarter of India's LPG imports from the United States in 2027.

IndianOil is additionally exploring LPG supplies from Algeria as part of efforts to reduce dependence on a limited number of producing regions.

PNG Consumers Face Separate LPG Restrictions

Consumers should also understand that another LPG rule introduced in March is separate from the broader supply-related restrictions.

The government amended the LPG Control Order on March 14, 2026, to prevent households that already have a Piped Natural Gas (PNG) connection from retaining or obtaining a domestic LPG connection from government oil companies.

Such consumers are also not permitted to obtain domestic LPG refills under the amended rules.

This restriction is different from the temporary supply-related limits affecting the issuance of new LPG connections more broadly.

Domestic LPG Prices Remain Unchanged

There has been no fresh revision in domestic LPG cylinder prices as of August 27.

IndianOil's official price information shows that a 14.2-kg non-subsidised domestic LPG cylinder costs:

CityDomestic LPG Price
Delhi₹942.00
Mumbai₹941.50
Kolkata₹968.00
Chennai₹957.50

These domestic LPG prices were last revised on June 7, 2026.

Commercial LPG Prices Were Cut in August

Commercial LPG consumers received some relief at the beginning of August.

IndianOil's official data shows that the 19-kg commercial cylinder now costs ₹2,738 in Delhi, ₹2,691.50 in Mumbai, ₹2,872.50 in Kolkata and ₹2,906 in Chennai.

The previous July prices were ₹2,930 in Delhi, ₹2,885.50 in Mumbai, ₹3,081.50 in Kolkata and ₹3,106 in Chennai, indicating a substantial reduction from July levels.

An Alternative LPG Option Is Available

IndianOil has also introduced a 10-kg composite LPG cylinder called Indane XTRALITE NOW.

According to the Petroleum Ministry, this is a Free Trade LPG product and does not require a regular domestic LPG connection. Customers can register through IndianOil's digital platforms, subject to availability and applicable conditions.

The product is particularly relevant while regular domestic connections remain restricted.

However, consumers should remember that Free Trade LPG operates outside the normal domestic subsidy framework, so its pricing and conditions can differ from those applicable to conventional household LPG cylinders.

What Should Consumers Do Now?

Anyone who needs a new LPG connection should first check availability through the official website, mobile application or authorised distributor of IndianOil, Bharat Petroleum or Hindustan Petroleum.

Consumers should avoid paying agents who promise immediate approval of a connection during the restriction period.

The key point is that new domestic LPG connections remain restricted, but the government has not announced a specific nationwide date for lifting the restriction. Rising imports from the US and diversification into other markets may improve supply security, but normal connection issuance will depend on official decisions by the government and oil marketing companies.

Until such an announcement is made, existing consumers continue to receive priority for domestic LPG supplies, while those urgently needing an alternative can check whether products such as Free Trade LPG are available in their area.