The state government has allayed fears of a global liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) shortage triggered by the ongoing conflict in West Asia, assuring that Kerala has sufficient cooking gas reserves to meet domestic demand.
According to national LPG stock data released by the Ministry of Food and Civil Supplies (based on Tuesday’s opening stock data), current domestic stocks are 22,064.9 metric tonnes (MT), while stocks abroad are 1,601.9 MT and transit stocks stand at 1,487.6 MT.
Officials said available domestic supplies alone would last more than six days, with continuous replenishment expected to continue. Supply pipelines remain stable and there is no immediate cause for concern regarding LPG availability.
Kerala currently serves 98.45 lakh domestic LPG consumers. This includes 20.46 lakh single cylinder connection (SBC) users and 77.99 lakh double cylinder connection (DBC) users in three state-owned oil marketing companies – Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. (IOC), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd. (BPCL) and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd. (HPCL).
As of February 26, the average daily LPG consumption of the state was recorded at 2,985 MT for domestic use and 753 MT for foreign purposes.
Bottling plants in Kerala together hold 19,847.7 MT of LPG stock. In addition, retail distributors currently maintain 3,366.2 tonnes of domestic LPG and 452.9 tonnes of foreign stocks. Among bottling facilities, the Kochi plant operated by BPCL has the highest domestic LPG stock at 10,961 MT.
Continuous monitoring
The state’s LPG stocks are continuously monitored as part of the policy framework to regulate the supply of cooking gas to ensure uninterrupted supply, prevent misuse and prioritize essential services.
The guidelines were finalized during a recent high-level review convened by the chief minister with representatives of oil marketing companies. A multi-level monitoring system was established including the State Crisis Management Committee chaired by the Chief Secretary. The panel will monitor the overall LPG supply situation and guide allocation strategies.
At the operational level, the Department of Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs has been designated as the nodal agency. The Commissioner of Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs will function as the state’s nodal officer, supported by an emergency response cell and a real-time LPG monitoring panel to monitor availability and distribution across districts. Daily reports on the status of supplies will be submitted to the government.
District committees headed by district collectors will also play a vital role in managing local distribution. These panels are tasked with monitoring stock levels, addressing replenishment delays, coordinating bottlers and ensuring supplies to priority sectors such as hospitals, educational institutions and community kitchens.
The government has directed the district authorities to maintain adequate stocks, including a minimum reserve of commercial LPG cylinders for priority distribution. During supply restrictions, foreign distribution of LPG will be limited to approximately 20% of average daily consumption.
Published – 17 March 2026 19:46 IST
