LPG bookings close to normal, but situation continues to be worrisome
New Delhi (PTI): Bookings for domestic LPG refills are approaching pre-war normal levels, signalling a gradual return to normalcy, but concerns persist as supply restrictions on commercial consumers, including hotels, remain in place due to ongoing disruptions in input supplies caused by the West Asia conflict.
Over 33 crore domestic LPG consumers had, on average, booked about 55 lakh cylinders daily before the February 28 military strikes by the US and Israel on Iran. The escalation triggered sweeping retaliation from Tehran, effectively shutting the Strait of Hormuz - a critical shipping corridor used by major Gulf producers such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the UAE to export crude oil, gas and LPG to key markets including India.
The shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz blocked India's access to almost 60 per cent of its LPG, leading to curtailment of supplies to commercial users and triggering panic buying by domestic users, which peaked to 87.7 lakh on March 13.
Bookings have since fallen to 56-57 lakh on March 18, said Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.
"Panic booking is coming down," she said, adding that the government continues to prioritise the supply of available LPG to domestic households.
However, "LPG (supply) situation remains worrisome but there is no dry out at any LPG distributor," she said.
Commercial users are getting just a fifth of their requirement.
Sharma said domestic LPG production has increased by over 40 per cent in the last two weeks and the three public sector oil marketing companies have been making normal, pre-war levels of daily deliveries of LPG refills.
"Our supply has not dipped. Some days the supply has been higher (than pre-war times). On March 18, 54.91 lakh LPG cylinders were delivered against a booking of over 56 lakh," she said.
Oil companies are operating extra shifts to keep LPG deliveries in pace with the bookings. They delivered 62.5 lakh cylinders on March 13 and 60 lakh on March 14 - the peak two days of panic bookings.
LPG supplies are under close monitoring amid the prevailing geopolitical tensions, with no dry-outs reported at distributorships and domestic cylinder deliveries continuing uninterrupted, she said.
Online bookings have risen sharply to 94 per cent, while Delivery Authentication Code (a unique OTP that is sent to registered mobile numbers of actual users to ensure LPG is being delivered to correct customers) coverage has expanded to 83 per cent.
In addition, customers near a city gas network are being encouraged to shift to piped natural gas - a convenient alternative to LPG as the fuel continuously travels through pipes to household kitchens without the botheration of refill bookings.
"In the last two weeks, 1.25 lakh new domestic, commercial and industrial connections have been issued," she said.
Raids and inspections to stop black marketing continue with seizure of cylinders as well as FIRs in several states.
The Union government on March 18 wrote to all state governments asking them to take all steps to prevent black marketing and hoarding while taking stringent actions against violators.
Besides, alternate fuels such as kerosene are being promoted, she said adding commercial LPG stocks have been placed with states for using them as per their priority list.
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Legend Rahul: Gujarat’s Emerging Digital Trader & Financial Content Creator Building a Trusted Marke
Gujarat’s Emerging Digital Trader & Financial Content Creator Building a Trusted Marke
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In the rapidly evolving world of digital finance and content creation, a new generation of self-driven individuals is transforming how financial knowledge is shared online. Among them is Rahul Thakor, popularly known as Legend Rahul, an emerging trader, YouTuber, and digital educator from Gujarat, India, who is steadily building a credible voice in the trading community. Born on February 22, 2004, Rahul represents a new-age creator who is leveraging digital platforms to create opportunities rather than waiting for them. At just 22 years old, he has already established a growing presence across multiple platforms by combining real-world trading experience with educational content.
Rahul began his journey on YouTube in 2019 with limited resources but a strong desire to learn and share his experiences in trading. Over time, his consistent efforts and relatable content helped him grow a dedicated audience. Today, his channel, @LegendRahul, has surpassed 37,000 subscribers, where he shares insights on trading fundamentals, market psychology, and real-life trading experiences. His content is particularly valued by beginners who seek practical understanding of financial markets rather than theoretical knowledge.
Unlike many digital creators who focus only on content, Rahul is actively involved in multiple financial markets, including stock trading, options trading, forex trading, and overall market analysis. His approach is rooted in discipline, patience, and risk management, emphasizing long-term consistency over short-term gains. A core philosophy that defines his work is, “Learning me hi chhupi hai earning,” reflecting his belief that true success in trading comes from continuous learning and experience rather than shortcuts.
What sets Legend Rahul apart is his honest and transparent content style. He avoids unrealistic promises and instead focuses on educating his audience about the realities of trading, including learning from losses, building emotional control, understanding market behavior, and developing sustainable strategies. This authenticity has helped him build trust among young traders who are often exposed to misleading information in the digital space.
Beyond trading, Rahul is also passionate about gaming, which adds another dimension to his digital identity and helps him connect with a broader Gen-Z audience. His ability to blend finance with entertainment makes his content more engaging and accessible. He maintains an active presence on platforms like Instagram and X, where he shares market insights, updates, and interacts with his followers, further strengthening his personal brand.
With a strong foundation already built at a young age, Legend Rahul aims to expand his reach in the financial education space and continue helping aspiring traders understand markets in a practical and realistic way. In an era where many chase quick success, he represents a more disciplined and sustainable approach, built on learning, consistency, and self-improvement, making him a rising digital voice in India’s trading and creator ecosystem.
