Central Government Takes Major Step Regarding LPG Cylinders: Supply of 5-kg 'Chhotu' LPG Cylinders Doubled..

In light of potential disruptions to the Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) supply—stemming from the conflict involving Iran, the US, and Israel—the Central Government has decided to double the daily allocation of 5-kilogram cylinders to states and Union Territories in order to provide relief to migrant workers. In other words, the supply of 5-kg LPG cylinders from the Centre to all states has been doubled. This decision was taken specifically to ensure that the LPG supply remains uninterrupted.

In a letter issued on April 6, Petroleum Secretary Neeraj Mittal stated that the increased supply allocation would be based on the average daily distribution recorded between March 2 and March 24, 2026. This revised allocation exceeds the previous limit of 20% that was stipulated in a communication dated March 21.

**Small Cylinders to be Distributed to Migrant Workers**

The letter specifies that the additional 5-kilogram 'Free Trade LPG' (FTL) cylinders will be handed over to state governments and their respective Food and Civil Supplies departments. These cylinders are to be distributed exclusively to migrant workers, with assistance provided by the Oil Marketing Companies.

**Cylinders Available Even Without Address Proof**

The 5-kg Free Trade LPG cylinder—also popularly known as 'Chhotu'—was launched with the specific aim of catering to migrant workers residing in urban and semi-urban areas. For standard domestic gas connections, customers are typically required to furnish proof of address. This process often proves to be a significant hurdle for migrant workers, compelling them to resort to the black market to purchase cooking gas at exorbitant prices. However, the government has now authorized the provision of these 5-kg 'Free Trade LPG' cylinders to migrant workers and students even without the requirement of address proof.

'Chhotu' was introduced precisely to address the needs of this specific segment of the population. You can easily purchase this 5-kg cylinder simply by presenting a valid identity card. 'Buyback' (return) schemes are also available for these cylinders.

Bookings to be Processed in 25 Days in Cities and 45 Days in Rural Areas

To curb the black marketing of LPG cylinders, the government had also modified the booking interval. The booking interval was set at 25 days for urban areas and 45 days for rural areas. To reduce demand, the government is also making alternative fuels—such as kerosene and coal—available.

According to the government, there have been no disruptions whatsoever in the supply of LPG cylinders to migrant workers. As per the statistics, approximately 5.1 million LPG cylinders have been distributed.

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