LPG Cylinder SHORTAGE: How long does a 14.2 kg cylinder last, how to save gas amid crisis?

The standard domestic cylinder of 14.2 kg is intended to meet the daily cooking needs of a typical household. Do you know how long a 14.2 kg cylinder lasts? Let's check it out.

LPG Cylinder SHORTAGE: Amid the ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran, tensions have escalated in the Middle East countries, which has affected the global crude oil and gas supply. India has also been hit by the ongoing conflict with several states dealing with a shortage of LPG cylinders, prompting central government to emphasise securing domestic LPG distribution. The news of LPG cylinder shortage has created chaos among people, leading them to panic-buy. People were seen lined up outside gas agencies in several states to refill their cooking gas cylinders. Currently, the country has approx 32.68 crore active domestic LPG consumers and more than 50 crore cylinders, as of July 2024. Major companies that distribute LPG cylinders are Indane, Bharat Gas and HP Gas. We use cooking gas every day, but do you know how long 14.2 kg cylinder lasts? Let’s check it out.

The standard domestic cylinder, which is distributed to households, contains 14.2 kg of LPG gas. The quantity is intended to meet the daily cooking needs of a typical household. However, the current situation has delayed the booking and delivery of the cooking gas cylinders.

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LPG Cylinder Shortage: Typical Consumption Patterns

When used normally in household, an LPG cylinder lasts around 25-35 days. However, it also depends on the size, cooking frequency and stove efficiency of the household. For instance, a cylinder, in a family of four to five people, cooking two-three meals a day, lasts for 30-35 days.

LPG Cylinder Shortage: What Affects An LPG Cylinder’s Longevity

• Household size and cooking frequency affect how fast an LPG cylinder is used. It means larger families with frequent cooking increase consumption.

• Type of food and cooking method also matter. However, pressure cooking uses less gas.
• Stove efficiency and condition can also affect LPG gas consumption.
• Regional differences and personal habits can also affect gas usage.

LPG Cylinder Shortage: PMUY And Refill Trends

Under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY), the central government has distributed millions of connections to low-income households. The average refills per household per year have increased overtime. The average refills of PMUY beneficiaries increased from 3.68 to 4.47 cylinders by 2024-25. This shows that the use of LPG gas has become the primary cooking fuel. However, Non-PMUY households usually have higher refill rates.

Disclaimer: Stories from the ground reveal desperation and panic over the LPG refill shortage in India amid the Iran war. Scores of outlets have either increased food prices or shut down, resulting in work losses. People say the crisis is bringing scary memories of the Covid lockdown.