A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) was heard by the Delhi High Court on April 22, 2026, alleging widespread black marketing of LPG cylinders in Delhi at prices reaching up to ₹5,000. The court, however, refused to take up the matter and advised the petitioner to approach the government with his concerns.

The plea, filed by Advocate Rakesh Kumar Mittal, claimed that although an LPG cylinder normally costs around ₹1,000, it was being sold illegally at much higher rates due to a severe shortage. He also alleged that gas exports were continuing despite limited domestic supply. Mittal further pointed out that even the Delhi High Court canteen had recently experienced a gas shortage, suggesting the issue was affecting multiple sectors.

A Bench comprising Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia declined to intervene, noting that the canteen issue had already been resolved and that the government was addressing supply-related concerns. The court emphasized that matters such as supply management, preventing hoarding, and controlling black marketing fall under executive responsibility rather than judicial intervention. It also stated that courts cannot issue directions that are impractical or impossible to enforce, including a complete halt on black marketing or hoarding practices.

Regarding the allegation of gas exports, the Bench observed that such economic and policy decisions are within the government’s domain and not subject to judicial interference. The petition was ultimately dismissed, with the court allowing the petitioner to submit a representation to the authorities for appropriate consideration and action. Amid concerns over fuel availability due to the ongoing West Asia crisis, Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) clarified that there is no shortage of petrol and diesel in Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, and Chandigarh.