LPG Shortage Fears Spark Long Queues Across India Amid Middle East Tensions
Long lines continue to form outside LPG refilling stations and booking centers across India, as fears of a cooking gas shortage grow amid the ongoing Middle East conflict. The situation has escalated following Iran's retaliatory blockade of the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a crucial chokepoint that accounts for approximately one-fifth of the world's oil supply.
This blockade came in response to US-Israel strikes on February 28, which ignited the current conflict. Although the Indian government has repeatedly assured citizens that there is no actual shortage, these reassurances have done little to calm public anxiety. The issue has even echoed in Parliament, where opposition parties have accused the government of downplaying the seriousness of the situation.
State-by-State Responses to LPG Supply Concerns
Delhi: The Delhi government has assured residents that the supply of LPG, petrol, diesel, and PNG remains normal, urging people to refrain from panic buying or hoarding. According to a statement from Chief Minister Rekha Gupta's office, authorities are conducting rigorous inspections to curb black-marketing and hoarding of LPG cylinders.
The Department of Food, Supplies and Consumer Affairs has deployed field officers to facilitate hassle-free bookings and ensure compliance. Enforcement teams are maintaining a strict vigil to prevent the diversion of domestic LPG cylinders for commercial use in restaurants and eateries. The government has also revised the minimum interval for LPG refill bookings from 21 days to 25 days, though consumers are reportedly receiving refills within an average of two to three days from the booking date.
Maharashtra: The Maharashtra government has directed oil companies to immediately repair technical glitches in their LPG booking apps and missed call services to ensure residents can book cylinders without hassle. Control rooms will be set up at various levels, and a WhatsApp facility will be provided for complaint redressal.
In view of the upcoming festive season, public institutions will be prioritized to receive uninterrupted LPG supply. The government has instructed authorities to seek assistance from local representatives and gram panchayat members to prevent panic among citizens. Additionally, the police administration has been entrusted with providing necessary protection to vehicles transporting LPG and to gas agencies.
Uttar Pradesh: Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath held a review meeting and assured the public that there is no shortage of diesel, petrol, or cooking gas in the state. He emphasized that the supply system is operating smoothly and warned against rumors related to shortages.
Adityanath stated that if any distributor agency or private individual is found involved in black marketing or hoarding, an FIR will be immediately registered against them, with the strictest action ensured. He also recommended the use of alternative fuels by communicating with hostels, hospitals, dharamshalas, hotels, and various commercial establishments. Police personnel will be deployed at LPG distribution centers to assist in maintaining order.
Karnataka: Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar announced that the state government would address the LPG shortage issue in a Cabinet meeting. He acknowledged that gas supply issues are causing problems for everyone and emphasized the need for all facilities required for food preparation.
Shivakumar urged the Centre to act immediately to resolve the situation, warning that otherwise, Karnataka's farmers might have to resort to using firewood as an alternative. Meanwhile, the Karnataka State Hotel Association has called for a portion of commercial LPG cylinders to be reallocated to ensure kitchens across Bengaluru continue functioning smoothly.
Bihar: In state capital Patna, District Magistrate Thiyagarajan SM stated that the administrative machinery is working proactively to ensure domestic LPG consumers do not face inconvenience. He warned that any laxity, negligence, or irregularity will not be tolerated.
Directions have been issued to immediately register FIRs and arrest concerned agencies or individuals if complaints of black marketing, hoarding, or sale at higher prices are received. Booking and delivery are being carried out through missed calls, SMS/IVRS, WhatsApp, and OTP-based systems. A helpline number (0612-2219810) has been established for seamless distribution and monitoring, operational from 9 am to 6 pm daily.
Holidays of block supply officers and assistant district supply officers have been cancelled until further notice. The district administration has also formed 28 Quick Response Teams (QRTs) for timely resolution of complaints related to LPG cylinder supply.
Tamil Nadu: Chief Minister MK Stalin urged the public not to panic, assuring that the country has adequate fuel reserves. He stated that the Tamil Nadu government would extend full support to the Centre in managing any challenges arising from the international situation.
Stalin emphasized that he had chaired a high-level review meeting and written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and relevant Union Ministers regarding the shortage of cooking gas cylinders. The Tamil Nadu Petroleum Merchants Association also clarified that there is no shortage of petrol or diesel anywhere in the state, with all approximately 7,000 petrol pumps receiving regular fuel supplies.
Telangana: Civil Supplies Minister N Uttam Reddy announced that the state government will meet representatives of oil marketing companies on Friday. He noted that there has been no problem in the supply of domestic LPG cylinders so far.
Reddy explained that in Telangana, domestic supply constitutes 86 percent and commercial supply 14 percent, with no issues reported in the domestic supply segment. Some problems have been noticed over commercial supply. Chief Secretary K Ramakrishna Rao will also be present in the meeting. According to Hyderabad Hotels Association president Ashok Reddy, hotels are managing the situation by using existing stocks, while some are resorting to wood as fuel.
The ongoing Middle East conflict continues to cast a shadow over global fuel supplies, with India's state governments implementing various measures to ensure stability while addressing public concerns. The situation remains fluid as international tensions persist.
