In March 2026 the Union government invoked the Essential Commodities Act, 1955 to keep Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) adequately available during a global energy crisis. On 5 March 2026, oil refining companies were directed to maximise LPG output for domestic consumers. The 1955 law empowers the government to regulate the production, supply, distribution and pricing of essential commodities, and to impose stock limits that prevent hoarding and ensure fair availability. The Act was last used in August 2025 to control rising wheat prices in India.