Fake Modi LPG video fuels confusion as India's cooking gas crisis deepens
A fake video claiming Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced free LPG cylinders under the Ujjwala scheme has spread online. The original footage shows no mention of LPG or the scheme in his speech. Meanwhile, India's cooking gas supply faces growing pressure due to global disruptions and new refill restrictions.
The altered video falsely suggests PM Modi promised free LPG cylinders, but fact-checkers confirmed the clip was digitally manipulated. Government officials clarified that no such announcement was made, and the original speech covered unrelated topics.
Supply chain issues have worsened since late 2024, when tensions between Israel, the USA, and Iran disrupted crude oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz. This route normally handles 55% of India's LPG and 30% of its LNG, along with over half of its 5.8 million barrels of daily crude imports. By March 2026, imports via the strait had dropped by 15-20%, falling from 1.8 million barrels per day to around 1.5 million. To manage shortages, oil companies are now prioritising household LPG supplies while cutting back on commercial deliveries. The government has also extended refill wait times: urban users must now wait 25 days between subsidised orders (up from 21), while rural users face a 45-day gap (increased from 25). These measures aim to prevent panic buying and ration limited stocks.
The fake video continues to circulate despite official denials, adding confusion amid real supply challenges. With reduced oil imports and stricter refill rules, households across India now face longer waits for cooking gas. The situation highlights the impact of geopolitical tensions on everyday energy access.
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