Kamal Ghorui
The Centre took another step towards easing availability of fuel for migrant workers across the country, doubling the allocation of 5-kg Free Trade LPG (FTL) cylinders to states. In a notification issued late Monday, the ministry of petroleum and natural gas informed that the the move is based on the average daily supply to migrant laborers during March 2 and March 3, beyond the 20% limit. It said, “It is conveyed that the daily quantity of 5kg FTL cylinder in each State available for disbursal to migrant laborers is being doubled based on average daily supply (of cylinders) to migrant laborers during 2nd – 3rd March 2026 beyond limit of 20% mentioned in Para 2(a) of letter of 21.3.2026.” The letter further stated that these 5-kg cylinders will be made available to state governments and their Food and Civil Supplies Departments, which will oversee distribution exclusively to migrant labourers with the support of oil marketing companies (OMCs). The latest step comes shortly after the government relaxed norms for accessing 5-kg Free Trade LPG cylinders. In a recent move, the requirement for address proof was removed, allowing migrant workers, students and daily wage earners to obtain cylinders more easily. Under this provision, individuals can approach LPG distributors with a valid ID card and a self-declaration confirming their place of residence and that the cylinder will be used only for cooking purposes. The facility has also been extended to migrant students and professionals who do not have an existing LPG connection.Chandra Prakash, President of the All India LPG Distributors Federation, called the move “a good gesture” aimed at supporting vulnerable sections. “FTL connections can be given to needy and migrant workers who are not able to avail a domestic new connection,” he said. He added that “migrant maids, daily-wage labourers, students, and professionals who lack a permanent address can now access cooking fuel without bureaucratic hurdles.“He further noted that migrants facing difficulties in cooking for themselves or their families can approach the nearest LPG distributor with a valid ID and a self-declaration letter stating their place of residence and confirming the cylinder will be used only for cooking. The provision, he said, also applies to migrant students and professionals without an existing LPG connection.The facility is strictly meant for domestic use and “not for commercial customers,” he added.The ministry said that the initiative is part of wider efforts to ensure uninterrupted availability of petroleum products and LPG across the country, particularly amid the evolving conflict in West Asia. Meanwhile, the government has repreatedly assured that the country has adequate energy supplies and urged consumers to avoid panic buying.These developments come at a time when global oil supplies are under strain due to the ongoing Middle East crisis. The war began on February 28 when US and Israel launched joint strikes on Iran, after which Tehran choked the crucial Strait of Hormuz, a pipeline that carries 20% of world’s energy supplies.
