A key change in household cooking gas rules could soon affect how Indian families plan their kitchens. In a move aimed at managing supply amid global disruptions, Indian Oil Corporation has revised the waiting period for booking LPG cylinders, making it longer for several categories of users.
The decision comes at a time when global energy markets remain under pressure due to geopolitical tensions, particularly in West Asia, which has impacted supply chains.
Longer Waiting Period For LPG Refills
Under the revised rules, households with two-cylinder connections will now have to wait 35 days before booking a fresh 14.2 kg LPG cylinder. Earlier, this gap stood at 25 days, reported Zee News.
In practical terms, even if a household runs out of cooking gas earlier, the system will not allow a new booking until the 35-day period has elapsed from the previous delivery.
The rules are tighter for Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) beneficiaries. For these consumers, the waiting period has been increased by 20 days, taking it to 45 days.
What Triggered The Change?
The revision has been driven by supply constraints linked to the ongoing conflict in West Asia. According to the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, the changes are aimed at preventing stockpiling and curbing black marketing of LPG cylinders.
By increasing the gap between bookings, authorities hope to ensure that available supply is distributed more evenly across households.
This is part of a broader set of adjustments in recent weeks. The minimum booking gap was earlier increased from 21 days to 25 days with effect from March 7, 2026, the same day Indian Oil raised the price of a 14.2 kg LPG cylinder by Rs 50 across metro cities.
Category-Wise Rules Explained
The updated guidelines vary depending on the type of consumer and cylinder size.
For non-PMUY domestic users, single-cylinder consumers can still book a 14.2 kg refill after 25 days. For smaller cylinders, the waiting period is shorter, 9 days for a 5 kg cylinder and 18 days for a 10 kg cylinder.
For PMUY consumers booking a 5 kg cylinder, the waiting period has been set at 16 days.
These differentiated timelines reflect an attempt to balance accessibility with supply management.
OTP-Based Delivery Now Mandatory
Alongside the booking restrictions, the government has also tightened delivery norms.
Consumers must now provide a One-Time Password (OTP) at the time of cylinder delivery. Without this code, the delivery will not be completed.
The OTP, known as the Delivery Authentication Code (DAC), is sent to the registered mobile number when the delivery personnel arrive. The system is designed to prevent fake deliveries and ensure cylinders reach the intended recipient.
Annual Limit On Subsidised Cylinders
There is also a cap on the number of subsidised cylinders that can be availed in a year. Households are eligible for up to 15 subsidised LPG cylinders in a financial year.
If additional cylinders are required beyond this limit, customers must provide a valid reason to the gas agency.
How To Book LPG Cylinders
Despite the changes, the booking process remains largely unchanged and continues to offer multiple channels for convenience.
Customers can place bookings by calling 7715012345 or 7718012345 from their registered mobile number. Alternatively, they can send an SMS with the text ‘LPG’ to the same numbers.
Bookings can also be made via WhatsApp by saving the BPCL Smartline number 1800224344.
For emergencies such as gas leaks, consumers can contact the national LPG helpline at 1906.
What It Means For Households
The revised rules signal a shift towards tighter control of LPG distribution amid global uncertainties. While the intent is to ensure fair access, the longer waiting periods could require households to plan usage more carefully.
For many families, especially those dependent on LPG for daily cooking, the change may mean keeping a closer eye on consumption patterns and avoiding last-minute booking attempts.
