‘No hardship to citizens’: Bombay HC closes LPG shortage plea after Centre’s assurance

The Bombay High Court on Tuesday closed a petition highlighting shortages of LPG cylinders for domestic consumers after the Centre assured that all necessary steps are being taken to prevent hardship. A division bench of Justices Anil Kilor and Raj Wakode accepted the government’s submissions that supply and distribution are being closely monitored amid evolving global conditions.

The assurance was placed before the court through Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, who stated that the Centre is actively engaging at both domestic and diplomatic levels to stabilise LPG availability. The government emphasised that the situation remains dynamic due to “emerging changes in the international position,” but reiterated its commitment to ensuring uninterrupted supply for citizens.

In its affidavit, the Centre maintained that sensitive aspects of international negotiations could not be disclosed in court proceedings, adding that macro-level supply challenges linked to global disruptions are being handled at the highest levels. It further stated that any localised issues arising from lapses by distributors are being addressed through strict action by competent authorities.

The petition had been filed by six distributors associated with Confidence Petroleum India Limited, who alleged that despite policy directives prioritising domestic consumption, supply of household LPG cylinders had not been adequately increased. They also claimed that exports were continuing, exacerbating shortages in local markets.

The plea pointed to disruptions in global crude supply triggered by the Iran–Israel conflict, which affected LPG production and movement from key regions. Taking note of the Centre’s assurance that both international and domestic measures are underway, the court disposed of the petition, leaving the matter to be handled by the government and relevant authorities in the larger public interest.