Ernakulam has domestic LPG stock for 25 days, consumers need not panic, says Collector

Ernakulam District Collector G. Priyanka on Saturday (March 14, 2026) assured that there was no disruption in supply of domestic LPG cylinders in Ernakulam district and consumers need not panic. The Collector said that the cooking gas companies were equipped with stocks for the next 25 days. She made the assurance after convening an emergency meeting of the stakeholders to take stock of the situation amid nationwide concerns over LPG shortage owing to the conflict in West Asia.

The Collector said a spike in bookings has caused some technical glitches in oil companies’ software and efforts were on to fix them.

“It is illegal to distribute gas cylinders directly from agencies on ‘cash and carry’ basis. Therefore, consumers need not go to agencies or godowns,” Ms. Priyanka said. She said distributors have been instructed to give priority to consumers who have opted for only one cylinder.

Supply prioritised

She said uninterrupted supply of commercial cylinders has been ensured for hospitals, educational institutions, orphanages and elderly care homes recognised by the Social Justice department.

Inspections have been strengthened to prevent irregularities in cooking gas distribution in the district, the Collector said. “Nine squads have been deployed in seven taluks in the district to take action if any irregularity is detected,” she said. The squads, comprising taluk supply officers, city rationing officers and rationing inspectors, have been tasked with preventing malpractices including hoarding and overpricing.

The collector also ordered the police to register case against those who keep more than 100 kg of cooking gas without permission. Those using the cylinders for domestic purpose for commercial needs will also have to face stringent action, the officer warned. Monitoring cells to address complaints over cooking gas distribution will function at district and taluk supply offices on holidays too, she said.

Representatives of distribution agencies, oil companies and officials of the Department of Consumer Affairs also attended the meet held at the collector’s camp office.