The government has authorized states to increase the daily allocation of 5 kg LPG cylinders for migrant workers to address fuel access challenges amid disruptions related to the current conflict in West Asia.
According to a directive issued on April 6, the government stated that the daily provision of 5 kg free trade LPG (FTL) cylinders for distribution to migrant laborers will be doubled based on the average daily supply of cylinders on March 2 and 3, 2026, surpassing the previous 20% limit outlined in a March 21 order.
These additional cylinders will be made available to state governments and their food or civil supplies departments exclusively for distribution to migrant laborers, with assistance from public sector oil marketing companies. This decision comes in response to the LPG supply challenges in certain regions of the country caused by disruptions in global energy supply chains due to the West Asia conflict.
India heavily relies on LPG imports, and the ongoing conflict has caused supply delays and increased volatility in availability. The scarcity has particularly impacted migrant workers in recent weeks, leading to difficulties in accessing affordable cooking fuel, delays in refills, and escalating prices in informal markets.
As a result, many individuals have resorted to using firewood, while some have opted to return to their hometowns due to rising living expenses. Industries dependent on migrant labor have also faced disruptions, as fuel shortages affect canteen services and living conditions, posing challenges in retaining workers.
Despite maintaining stable overall LPG supplies, the government has implemented measures to manage distribution effectively, including prioritizing essential consumption, enhancing monitoring to prevent hoarding, and expanding access to smaller cylinders for vulnerable groups.
The recent decision to augment the daily allocation of 5 kg cylinders aims to enhance the availability of these smaller, more portable cylinders for migrant workers, who prefer them due to lower costs and simplified documentation requirements. The success of this increased allocation will depend on the efficient distribution of the additional supply on the ground and its ability to meet the ongoing demand pressures effectively.