Tricity Reels Under Severe LPG Crunch as Booking Systems Fail Amid Global Conflict
The Tricity region, encompassing Chandigarh, Panchkula, Mohali, Kharar, and Zirakpur, was plunged into a severe LPG crisis on Wednesday, leaving countless households in a frantic scramble. The disruption, directly linked to the ongoing Middle East conflict, saw booking systems crash and supplies thin out dramatically, creating widespread uncertainty over daily cooking needs.
Households Grapple with Failed Bookings and Endless Queues
From homemakers unable to secure cylinders to extensive lines at LPG outlets, the situation quickly escalated into a logistical nightmare. Despite sightings of gas cylinder delivery trucks in various localities, consumers reported being completely unable to place fresh bookings through both online and phone-based systems. This left families struggling to manage essential meal preparations, with many forced to abandon their daily work to wait for hours in vain.
The crisis appeared particularly acute in Chandigarh's Ram Darbar area, where residents formed long queues, hoping for a chance at obtaining an LPG cylinder. Numerous individuals recounted leaving their jobs and waiting for extended periods, only to be turned away due to severely limited availability. Similar reports emerged from Mohali, Zirakpur, and Kharar, where gas agencies were unresponsive to calls, exacerbating public confusion and frustration.
Resident Testimonies Highlight Systemic Breakdown
Manu Sharma, a resident of Jalvayu Tower Society in Sector 125, Mohali, detailed her ordeal: "I tried calling the HP Gas agency for nearly three hours to book a cylinder, but no one answered the phone. This shortage is creating serious problems in managing cooking at home." Similarly, Preeti from Phase 1 in Mohali shared her struggle: "I attempted to book an Indane gas cylinder online for the past two days but was unsuccessful despite repeated attempts. There is no clear information from agencies about cylinder availability, leaving us completely uncertain."
Many other residents voiced strong dissatisfaction over the lack of communication from gas agencies, urging authorities to streamline the booking process and provide transparent updates to prevent further inconvenience. Housewives specifically noted that the uncertainty was severely disrupting their daily household routines.
Commercial and Social Ramifications Widen
The LPG shortage began spilling over into the commercial and social sectors, affecting marriage palaces and banquet halls across the Tricity. These venues require large quantities of gas cylinders for food preparation during wedding functions. Dheeraj Kohli, a marriage palace owner, warned: "If the shortage continues, we may be forced to resort to primitive cooking methods. It seems we may have to start using earthen ‘chullahs' and large-sized utensils with wood or coke as fuel."
Furthermore, the crisis reportedly fueled black marketing of commercial LPG cylinders in some areas. Small eatery owners claimed they were compelled to purchase commercial cylinders at inflated prices ranging between Rs 2,500 and Rs 2,700 on Wednesday, starkly higher than the official price of around Rs 1,700. Ram Babu Sinha, a dhaba operator in Chandigarh, expressed concern: "Today I bought a commercial cylinder for Rs 2,500. If this situation persists, we may have to shut our dhaba as it will become impossible to run the business."
Official Denials and Contradictory Claims
In stark contrast to ground realities, Mohali Deputy Commissioner Komal Mittal asserted that the supply of petrol, diesel, and domestic LPG cylinders in the district remains smooth and adequate. Mittal conducted a review meeting via video conferencing with sales officers of petroleum dealers, LPG distributors, dealer associations, and officials of oil marketing companies to assess the supply situation.
Officials informed during the meeting that there is no shortage of domestic LPG cylinders, petrol, or diesel, and adequate stock is available, with supply through LPG outlets and petrol pumps continuing regularly. The DC urged citizens to disregard rumors regarding shortages and advised against unnecessary stocking of LPG cylinders or petroleum products. She also appealed to residents to report any illegal stocking or wrongful sale of these products to the district administration for strict action.
Officials clarified that the supply of commercial LPG cylinders has been restricted as per government directives, though exemptions were granted for essential services such as educational institutions and medical facilities. A central-level committee comprising sales directors of the three oil marketing companies was also formed to monitor and ensure regular supply of commercial LPG cylinders.
