India LPG Consumption Decline : India has recorded a significant decline in the consumption of cooking gas, or LPG. According to the latest data from the Petroleum Planning and Analysis Cell (PPAC), LPG consumption in October 2026 fell by 12.11% year-on-year to 2.64 million tonnes. In contrast, demand for petrol and diesel increased. This shift comes at a time when reports suggest that gas supplies have been affected by tensions in the Middle East. This raises an important question: why has cooking gas consumption declined while demand for fuels used in vehicles has increased?

Petrol Consumption Rises To 3.77 Million Tonnes
Petrol demand increased in October compared with the same month last year. According to the data, petrol consumption rose by 3.11% year-on-year to 3.77 million tonnes. This increase indicates that the use of private vehicles across the country remains strong. Greater vehicle movement on roads and increased travel have supported petrol consumption.

Diesel Demand Increases By Nearly 12%
Along with petrol, diesel consumption also recorded substantial growth. In October 2026, diesel demand increased by 11.69% compared with the previous year, reaching 8.15 million tonnes. Diesel is widely used for freight transportation, buses, trucks and several commercial activities. Therefore, increased activity in road transport and business operations is being considered one of the reasons behind the rise in demand.

What Is Behind The Decline In LPG Consumption?
LPG consumption fell by 12.11% in October to 2.64 million tonnes. One of the major reasons being cited is the impact of ongoing tensions in the Middle East on supplies. India imports a significant portion of its LPG requirements from other countries. Amid supply difficulties, domestic LPG cylinder prices have also increased. As a result, some households may have reduced their gas consumption. However, consumption figures alone cannot establish the complete reasons behind the decline.

Government Encourages Greater Use Of PNG
Amid pressure on LPG supplies, the government is encouraging the use of piped natural gas (PNG). People living in areas where PNG facilities are available are being encouraged to switch from LPG cylinders to piped gas. This could help reduce dependence on LPG cylinders. However, for households that do not yet have PNG connections, LPG remains the primary source of cooking fuel.

Different Trends In Petrol, Diesel And LPG Demand
The October figures present contrasting trends in fuel consumption. While LPG consumption declined by 12.11%, petrol demand increased by 3.11% and diesel demand rose by 11.69%. Increased transportation and commercial activities are considered important factors behind the higher demand for petrol and diesel. Meanwhile, difficulties in LPG supplies, rising prices and the growing adoption of PNG may have contributed to the decline in LPG consumption.