Chandigarh: The ongoing tensions involving the United States, Israel and Iran have begun to affect LPG supply in parts of Punjab and Chandigarh, leading to panic buying and long queues outside gas agencies.
In several cities, commercial gas cylinders have become difficult to obtain, while many residents are also facing problems booking domestic LPG cylinders. Heavy booking demand reportedly caused the online booking server to crash, preventing many customers from receiving OTPs required for confirmation.
Crowds outside gas agencies
In Amritsar, large crowds gathered outside a gas agency to collect cylinders, forcing the outlet to temporarily shut down. A board reading “Gas Out of Stock” was placed outside the Ravi Gas Agency.
Similar scenes were reported in Ludhiana, where residents have been standing in long queues since morning but many returned without getting cylinders. In Jalandhar, gas agencies also witnessed heavy crowds as supplies ran short.
Petrol pump closure sparks panic
In Jalandhar, a petrol pump was suddenly shut down, creating panic among residents who feared a possible fuel shortage. However, the pump manager clarified that the closure was due to a technical issue and not a fuel shortage.
In Chandigarh, crowds were also seen outside gas agencies. An Indian Gas agency in Sector 25 was locked, leaving residents moving from one distributor to another with empty cylinders.
One resident said that his children were hungry at home but he was denied a cylinder at the agency. Customers are also reporting that after receiving one cylinder, the next booking is only allowed after 30 days.
Government response
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has directed all deputy commissioners to ensure that there is no shortage of LPG gas anywhere in the state.
The government has also warned that strict action will be taken against hoarding or black marketing of gas cylinders.
