PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun
The supply of liquified petroleum gas (LPG), petrol and diesel supply is stable and adequate despite in Uttarakhand geopolitical disruptions to global energy markets. Stating this, the divisional retail sales head of Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), Krishna Kumar Gupta said that Uttarakhand has a total of 978 petrol pumps. Out of these, 431 belong to IOCL, 214 to Bharat Petroleum, 254 to Hindustan Petroleum, 28 to Reliance and 51 to Nayara.
Addressing the media, Gupta said that the average monthly consumption of petrol in Uttarakhand is about 60,000 kilolitres, while diesel consumption is about 75,000 kilolitres. While petrol consumption has risen by two per cent and diesel by six per cent compared to the corresponding period last year, there is sufficient stock of petrol and diesel available.
Speaking about LPG, Gupta said that about 60 per cent of the requirement is met through imports. All refineries are operating at full capacity and some modifications have been made to increase LPG production. Currently, domestic LPG booking can be done every 25 days in urban areas and every 35 days in rural areas. He clarified that there is no shortage of domestic LPG, but panic buying has created a backlog of about six days.
Gupta also said that the Government of India has categorised sectors on a priority basis for the supply of commercial LPG cylinders. Essential sectors like hospitals and educational institutions are receiving full supply, while hotels, restaurants, and dhabas are getting about 70 per cent of their required supply. To improve the situation, more focus is being given to online booking, which has now reached 85 per cent.
Gupta stated that the monthly consumption of domestic LPG cylinders in Uttarakhand is about 18 lakh units. In March last year, about 65,000 cylinders were delivered daily, while in March 2026, about 85 per cent of that—around 56,000 cylinders were delivered per day. For commercial cylinders, the monthly requirement is about 1.60 lakh. In March last year, around 48,000 cylinders were delivered daily, while in March 2026, about 55 per cent of that was delivered per day.
On the upcoming Char Dham Yatra, Gupta said that they have studied data from the last 15–20 years to understand the consumption of LPG cylinders. Based on this, a proper plan has been prepared. He also said that a letter has been sent to the Government of India to increase the LPG quota for the Char Dham Yatra.
Gupta also claimed that five-kilogramme cylinders, mainly used by labourers, migrants and students, are easily available. These can be obtained directly from agencies by providing an Aadhaar card and phone number. Around 250 such cylinders are being delivered daily across the State. There is a stock of about 20,000 cylinders but lack of awareness remains an issue, he said,
