Delhi – Panic over a potential LPG cylinder shortage in Delhi surged on Tuesday, as residents flooded gas agencies with calls and booking requests following disruptions linked to the ongoing West Asia conflict. The central government invoked the Essential Commodities Act to prioritise domestic LPG supply, aiming to prevent hoarding and black marketing.
Despite government assurances of sufficient LPG availability, retailers reported a rush in domestic cylinder bookings. Atul Enterprises, near Jhandewalan Temple, said the new 25-day rule between bookings has created delays. “People who made bookings three or four days ago still haven’t received cylinders due to the new regulation,” a store representative stated.
The Union Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas recently mandated a minimum 25-day gap between domestic cylinder bookings, up from 21 days, to curb panic buying amid supply constraints.
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Several agencies in West Delhi reported supply shortages on Tuesday. Avinash Pandey, storekeeper at a Kirti Nagar agency, noted, “We usually get 350 cylinders daily from Haryana, but today we received none. We sold 326 cylinders from Monday’s stock, but the situation is uncertain.”
Delhi restaurants face LPG cylinder shortage Delhi as commercial deliveries stop.
Commercial users are feeling the impact more acutely. Siddhartha Enterprises in Rajinder Nagar has stopped supplying commercial cylinders as per government directions. “Customers are booking cylinders in advance despite assurances of no shortage,” the agency representative said.
In residential areas like Vikaspuri, gas agencies are receiving overwhelming inquiries. Geetanjali, manager at Indane Nairs Gas Service, said, “Domestic consumers are calling for multiple cylinders, but we cannot provide more than the limit.”
Reports of black-market sales are emerging as well. Harnoor Singh, manager at Milind Gas Service, said cylinders are being sold at nearly double the official rate. A tea seller in New Friends Colony confirmed prices rose from ₹1,100 to ₹2,000.
Restaurants in areas without piped gas, such as Connaught Place, are struggling to maintain operations. Varun Khera, owner of The Imperial Spice, said, “Without additional LPG cylinders, it is challenging to cook items that consume more gas, especially since coal tandoors are no longer allowed.”
With rising public concern, the government has urged calm, reiterating that domestic supply will continue. However, the recent surge in bookings signals that residents and businesses are preparing for a possible LPG cylinder shortage in Delhi.