LPG ‘shortage’ in some parts of India has already created a sense of fear among people, leading to panic buying and black marketing of gas cylinders. This “consumer anxiety”, as Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri described it on Thursday, is now being exploited by fraudsters and cyber scams.
There have been several reports of people complaining of LPG scams amid the ongoing situation. Authorities have also used social media to raise awareness and ensure that people do not fall prey to these scammers and lose money to them.
Read also | LPG shortage news LIVE today: Center making ‘all out efforts’ to resolve issue
It has now been warned that rumors of LPG shortages are being used as bait by cyber fraudsters.
In one incident in Dombivli, Maharashtra, a woman was allegedly cheated ₹3 crore after fraudsters threatened to disconnect her LPG connection.
Zee News Marathi reported the incident and explained the modus operandi of these scammers. The report claimed the scam started when the woman received an SMS warning that her connection would be disconnected if her gas bill was not updated.
Read also | Amid LPG shortage, cylinder theft caught on camera in Bengaluru | Watch
The message reportedly read, “We can’t see the Mahanagar gas bill you paid, if you don’t update it immediately, your gas connection will be disconnected. Smita Rane, who was scared by the LPG shortage talk, immediately contacted the number in the message.”
When the woman contacted the number listed in the message, the person on the other end sent her a link and asked her to fill in her details. According to the report, Smita Rane opened the link and entered her debit and credit card details.
Within minutes, almost ₹3 million were withdrawn from her account, incl ₹2 lakh from his credit card and ₹99,500 from his debit card, Zee News reported.
How do LPG scams happen? Fake booking links, scammers
The Cyber Crimes Unit Hyderabad noted that due to shortage of LPG cylinders, many people are looking online for quick booking or additional cylinders.
“Cyber criminals are taking advantage of this situation by creating fake websites, fake booking links and fraudulent messages related to LPG gas booking,” he added.
Meanwhile, Delhi Police also shared a video explaining how fraudsters create panic and invite people to click on links to book gas or confirm delivery.
Read also | 10 expert tips to save on LPG amid shortage fears
The police officer said fraudsters may also pose as representatives of gas agencies and call residents saying immediate verification or registration is required to secure a cylinder. Victims are then asked to click on links or download files sent through messaging platforms.
“Once users interact with such links, their personal or banking information may be compromised, leading to financial losses,” the officer said.
How to protect yourself from LPG scams? The government says…
In a press conference on Friday, March 13, I&B Ministry Joint Secretary C Senthil Rajan appealed to the public to book their LPG cylinders only through the official website, IVRS call, SMS booking, WhatsApp booking and mobile apps of oil marketing companies.
“We also urge everyone to remain vigilant as reports suggest that digital fraudsters are trying to take advantage of this situation by spreading fake and misleading advertisements online,” he said.
Read also | Lack of LPG triggers the search for induction
“Citizens are advised to be aware of such scams and use only official platforms of oil marketing companies to book their cylinders,” he added.
LPG Scams: DON’T DO IT!
Meanwhile, Cyber Crime Squad Hyderabad has shared key points on how to protect yourself from “LPG Gas Scams”. Here are some points to remember:
1. Do not trust unknown websites or links claiming instant LPG booking or fast delivery.
2. Cyber fraudsters can send fake SMS, WhatsApp messages or social media ads offering LPG cylinders at discounted prices.
3. Never click on suspicious links asking for payment for LPG booking.
4. Always reserve LPG cylinders only through official websites, authorized apps or registered distributors.
5. Do not share OTP, bank details or UPI PIN to anyone who claims to provide LPG cylinders.
6. Fake websites can look like official LPG company portals and can steal your personal and financial information.
7. If a website or message promises urgent or guaranteed LPG delivery after online payment, it may be a cyber scam.
What if you’ve already been scammed
The Hyderabad Cyber Crime Unit has released a helpline number for those who have fallen victim to cyber fraud. “Call 1930 immediately or report yourself.
Instead, DO THIS…
Book LPG cylinders only through official website, IVRS call, SMS booking, WhatsApp booking and mobile apps of oil marketing companies or switch from LPG to PNG instantly.
“I reiterate my appeal to all consumers: those who can switch from LPG to PNG should do so immediately,” Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary (Marketing & Oil Refinery), Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, said on Friday.
How to reserve LPG cylinders safely from home?
Companies like HP, Bharat Petroleum and Indane Gas provide LPG booking facilities. You can book cooking gas via WhatsApp, SMS and App.
For HP users:
1. HP Pay mobile app
2. HP ANY Time (IVRS): Dial IVRS number 88888 23456 from your registered mobile phone
3. Missed Call: Just make a missed call on 94936 02222 from your registered mobile number
4. Website: www.myhpgas.in
5. Umang mobile app available on Play Store for Android and IOS
6. WhatsApp: Just say Hi to 92222 01122 from your registered mobile number to start the booking process.
7. Amazon, Paytm, PhonePe or any BBPS enabled wallets/banking apps under payment section/tools
8. Customer Service Centers: The nearest CSC can be contacted for booking
For Bharat Petroleum users
1. Online – Visit https://my.ebharatgas.com/User/Login?ReturnUrl=%2fBookCylinder%2fCreateOrder
2. SMS – To book a top-up (via SMS) Write to your mobile LPG- Send this SMS to 7715012345 or 7718012345.
3. IVRS – Register and dial IVRS numbers 7715012345 or 7718012345 which are common to all India. https://my.ebharatgas.com/BookCylinder/IVRS
4. Mobile apps for Android and iPhone – click to learn more
Indane gas
Credit: Indane Gas
Why is India facing shortage of LPG?
The war in Iran has created what many say is an LPG (cooking gas) shortage in India. The “shortage” was reported due to the halt in imports through the Strait of Hormuz amid the ongoing conflict between Iran, the US and Israel.
However, the government has denied the LPG shortage claims, saying no drying up has been reported from any of the 25,000 distributors.
Read also | No shortage of LPG, crude oil, petrol and diesel but…: Hardeep Puri in Lok Sabha
The government’s announcement came as many users complained of a massive increase in bottle prices and reports claimed they were panic buying.
The Union government said it was prioritizing domestic consumption and essential services such as hospitals and schools amid global concerns over energy supplies linked to the conflict in West Asia.
Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Thursday said that the Natural Gas Control Ordinance was issued on March 9, 2026 under the Essential Commodities Act, which laid down the immediate priority sequence.
Read also | LPG cylinder price today: Check the latest prices in your city on March 13
He said, “Domestic gas piped to households and CNG for vehicles are getting 100% supply without restriction.” He also informed the Lok Sabha, “Alternative fuel options are being activated to reduce pressure on LPG and gas channels.”
On Friday, Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary (Marketing & Oil Refinery), Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, said, “There is no shortage of LNG supply. There is no shortage of LPG.”
But she said those who can “switch from LPG to PNG should do so immediately.”
Several videos and pictures on social media show people queuing outside the station. Many restaurants, tiffin centers and commercial outlets have switched to alternative fuels such as induction, electric cookers, kerosene and coal.
