NEW DELHI | October 26, 2026
More than 4,000 LPG distributors from different states and Union Territories participated in a protest at CBD Ground in New Delhi on Monday, demanding a revision of distributor commissions, restoration of new LPG connections in affected areas and a resolution to long-pending operational issues.
Organised by the LPG Distributors Association (India), the demonstration brought together distributors and association representatives from across the country. Those present included Dhanotia K. K., Gurpal Mann, Ashutosh Garg, Piyush and Shweta, along with state presidents and other association members.
B. S. Sharma, National President of the LPG Distributors Association (India), said distributors had been seeking a comprehensive revision of their commissions since 2018, citing rising LPG prices and operating costs. He argued that the existing commission structure had not kept pace with the financial burden on distributors.
“After 2018, the price of LPG has increased from around ₹450 to ₹1,000, while commercial LPG prices have risen from ₹1,100 to ₹3,033. However, there has been no corresponding increase in our commission,” B. S. Sharma said.
B. S. Sharma said distributors had repeatedly raised the issue with the government and referred to interim relief provided in 2022 following a study on the need to revise commissions in line with rising costs. However, he maintained that a comprehensive revision remained pending.
“We have been raising these issues continuously for four years and have sought discussions with the government, but our concerns remain unresolved,” B. S. Sharma said.
The association also opposed the government’s March 24, 2026, order concerning the discontinuation of LPG supplies in areas where piped natural gas (PNG) infrastructure is available. B. S. Sharma said the policy could affect LPG distributors’ businesses and limit consumer choice, particularly in areas where private companies are expanding PNG networks.
Another concern raised by the association was the reported suspension of around 3.16 crore LPG connections over incomplete electronic know-your-customer (e-KYC) verification. B. S. Sharma questioned the rationale behind such restrictions and referred to the Supreme Court’s judgment in K. S. Puttaswamy v. Union of India while raising concerns about biometric verification requirements. These figures and legal concerns were cited by the association and require independent verification.
The association also alleged interference by officials of oil marketing companies in distributors’ operations, including changes to distributor indents that it said could affect supply quantities and cause financial losses. It further raised concerns about alleged pressure on distributors to sell additional products, including gas stoves, rubber tubes, lighters and aprons.
B. S. Sharma also raised concerns about arrangements at the protest venue, alleging that barricades and restrictions on public transport and access had prevented some distributors from reaching the site. He said these difficulties had affected participants despite the association’s efforts to organise a peaceful demonstration.
The association has set a one-month deadline for the government to address its demands, including commission revision, a review of LPG connection policies and measures to resolve operational concerns. B. S. Sharma warned that distributors across the country could resort to a nationwide strike if the issues remained unresolved.
The LPG Distributors Association (India) said it remained open to dialogue with the government but called for a time-bound response to its demands.