Based on reports as of March 19, 2026, the shortage and difficulty in obtaining LPG gas in India are primarily due to significant supply chain disruptions caused by the ongoing conflicts in West Asia. 

Here are the key reasons why LPG is difficult to obtain right now:

Disruption of Shipping Routes: A significant portion of India's LPG imports (approx. 90%) passes through the Strait of Hormuz, which has been severely impacted by the Iran-Israel war. Shipments are delayed or stuck, creating a shortage at import terminals.

High Import Dependency: India imports about 60% of its LPG needs. When imports slow down, it causes immediate shortages in the domestic market, as domestic production cannot fully meet the demand.

Limited Storage Capacity: Unlike petrol or diesel, LPG requires specialized, expensive storage. India has limited storage capacity, which only covers about 20 days of consumption, making the supply chain vulnerable to sudden, long-term disruptions.

Prioritization of Households: The government has prioritized supplying LPG to households, which has resulted in stricter rationing for commercial users, such as hotels, restaurants, and small businesses.

Panic Booking & Hoarding: Fears of a long-term shortage have led to panic booking by consumers, which further slows down delivery times.

Local Distribution Bottlenecks: Even if supply is available at the national level, logistical issues, such as transportation delays, bottling plant issues, and lack of staff, can delay deliveries in specific local areas. 

What is the Government Doing?

Refineries are maximizing LPG production.

Alternative imports are being sourced.

Strict actions are being taken against illegal hoarding and overcharging. 

Recommendations:

Book your cylinder only when needed to avoid panic buying.

Use official apps, SMS, or IVRS for booking.

If you have a Piped Natural Gas (PNG) connection, you are advised to surrender any additional LPG connections. 

(Note: The information provided is based on the 2026 LPG shortage situation as reported in the search results.)