On Sunday, the central government issued an order allowing migrants, students, and casual laborers to purchase a free trade LPG (FTL) cylinder worth 5 kg simply by presenting their identity cards at any LPG agency.

No address verification is required to receive the cylinder. Migrants, students, and casual laborers do not have a fixed address, which makes it difficult for them to purchase LPG and cook meals. The LPG supply was also boosted amid the crisis in West Asia.

According to IANS, the central government has stated that online LPG bookings have increased by 95 percent, and more than 5.1 million domestic cylinders were distributed on April 4th. According to the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Delivery Authentication Code (DAC)-based distribution has also increased from 53 percent to 90 percent to prevent any black marketing.

Consumers should opt for online booking. According to the ministry, five kg cylinders were sold at over 90,000 units on Saturday. It also stated that approximately 6.60 lakh cylinders have been sold across the country since March 23.

PNG connections are also being continuously expanded, with 3.60 lakh connections added in March. All efforts are being made to ensure the availability of LPG and PNG. According to ANI, Chandra Prakash, President of the All India LPG Distributors Federation, welcomed this decision, calling it a good step by the government for the weaker sections.

He said that now those in need can obtain these cylinders from authorized distributors simply by showing a valid identification card. He added that those purchasing these cylinders will also have to submit an affidavit stating that they will use them only for cooking.

Action against black marketing intensified, 50,000 cylinders seized so far
According to PTI, officials said that action against hoarding and black marketing of LPG cylinders has been intensified. More than 50,000 cylinders have been seized so far.

Over 1,400 show-cause notices have been issued to LPG distributors, and the dealerships of 36 of them have been suspended. He also appealed to the public to conserve energy and be wary of rumors. Adequate fuel stocks are available. Refineries are producing at full capacity.