Dehradun: With the Char Dham Yatra 2026 approaching, the Uttarakhand government has begun extensive preparations to meet the rising demand for commercial LPG cylinders.
The Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Affairs Department has prepared a proposal for additional allocation from the central government to ensure uninterrupted supply during the pilgrimage season.
Demand for 9.67 Lakh Cylinders
According to departmental data, around 967,950 commercial LPG cylinders will be required between April and November 2026. These will serve 14,901 hotels, restaurants, guest houses, and dharamshalas across the state. Consumption rises sharply during the Yatra due to millions of pilgrims and tourists, often increasing 2–3 times compared to normal days.
Supply Doubled to Over 6,000 Cylinders Daily
Officials confirmed that supply has already improved. Earlier, only 3,000 cylinders were distributed daily, but now this has been increased to over 6,000 cylinders per day. Preparations are underway to further raise supply if demand spikes during peak pilgrimage.
High-Level Meeting with Oil Companies
A detailed review meeting was chaired by Secretary Anand Swarup with senior officials from Indian Oil, Bharat Petroleum, and Hindustan Petroleum. The meeting focused on demand assessment, storage capacity, supply chain, transportation, and distribution systems. Officials were instructed to stockpile cylinders before the Yatra begins and to create a robust logistics plan for remote areas. Real-time monitoring and quick response strategies were emphasized to prevent disruptions.
Strict Action Against Black Marketing
The government has adopted a tough stance against black marketing, overcharging, and misuse of domestic gas. As of March 31, 2026:
– 5,389 inspections and 87 raids were conducted.
– 16 FIRs registered and 7 arrests made.
– 699 domestic and 168 commercial cylinders seized.
– Fines totaling Rs 1.01 lakh collected.
Authorities clarified that such campaigns will intensify during the Yatra to protect consumers and ensure fair distribution.
Monitoring Petrol and Diesel Supplies
Alongside LPG, the government is also prioritizing petrol and diesel availability. Continuous coordination with oil companies is being maintained to guarantee fuel for transportation, emergency services, and public use. Backup plans have been prepared to ensure uninterrupted supply, especially in hilly regions where logistics are challenging.
Data-Driven Strategy
This year, the government is implementing a data-driven approach. It includes:
– Accurate demand assessment.
– Additional allocation requests from the central government.
– Strengthening supply chains.
– Strict ground-level monitoring.
Coordination between the department, district administration, and oil companies is being maintained to ensure a smooth and safe pilgrimage experience.