LPG Supply Doubled: Government increases daily allocation of 5 kg cylinders for migrant workers

LPG Supply Doubled: The government on Monday, April 7, announced a massive increase in LPG supplies as it has doubled the daily allocation of 5-kg Free Trade LPG (FTL) cylinders supplied to states for distribution among migrant workers. In a letter addressed to Chief Secretaries of all states and Union Territories, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas said the revised allocation is based on the average daily number of cylinders distributed to migrant workers between March 2 and 3. The enhanced supply goes beyond the earlier cap of 20 per cent mentioned in its March 21, 2026, communication.

Centre Clarifies Distribution Mechanism, Says State Governments Will Oversee Supply with Support from Oil Marketing Companies

Along with that, the Ministry has also clarified that these 5 kg cylinders will be placed under the control of state governments or their Food and Civil Supplies Departments. They are meant exclusively for migrant labourers and will be distributed with logistical support from Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs).

Add Zee Business as a Preferred Source

Official Communication Details Basis for Decision, Highlights Expansion Beyond the Earlier 20 Per Cent Cap on Cylinder Allocation

"It is conveyed that the daily quantity of 5kg FTL cylinder in each State available for disbursal to migrant laborers is being doubled based on average daily supply (# of cylinders) to migrant laborers during 2nd - 3rd March 2026 beyond limit of 20% mentioned in Para 2(a) of letter of 21.3.2026. These 5kg FTL cylinders will be at disposal of State Government / its Food / Civil Supplies Department for supplying only to migrant laborers in their State with the assistance of OMCs," the letter from the Ministry said.

Move Aimed at Providing Relief to Vulnerable Sections as Government Eases Norms for Access to Cooking Fuel

The move is part of wider relief measures aimed at easing access to cooking fuel for vulnerable groups, including migrant workers, students and daily wage labourers. The government has also permitted the sale of 5 kg FTL cylinders without the need for address proof. Consumers can obtain them from authorised distributors by presenting a valid identity card.

Government Dismisses Reports of Reverse Migration, Says Ground Assessment Shows No массов Return of Workers to Home States

On a separate note, the government refuted reports suggesting that migrants are returning to their home states in large numbers due to the ongoing LPG crisis triggered by the West Asia conflict. According to ANI reports, top government sources told them that a ground-level assessment was conducted across major railway stations to gauge the actual movement of migrant workers. "After a week of monitoring, we found no signs of migrants returning to their native places in large numbers," a senior official told ANI.

Railway Station Data and Fact-Check Report Submitted to PMO Show No Evidence of Large-Scale Exodus, Say Officials

Officials said that passenger footfall was tracked at several key railway stations across the country, and no significant increase was recorded that could indicate a mass exodus of migrant workers. A fact-check report based on the week-long ground assessment has since been prepared and submitted to the Prime Minister's Office, sources confirmed.