A severe shortage of LPG cylinders has thrown daily life into disarray across Odisha’s capital, with residents in the Sundarpada area taking to the streets in anger after waiting more than a month for booked supplies.
Customers allege they paid and booked cylinders weeks ago, yet deliveries have not materialised, even by Saturday. Frustrated locals in Sundarpada dragged empty gas tanks onto the road, blocking traffic near the agency to highlight their plight. Agency officials reportedly shut down the office and fled the scene as tensions escalated.
Following complaints, Airfield Police Station has registered a case of cheating and launched an investigation. Crowds have gathered at the nearby Sundarpada gas depot, where people say they have been standing in queues since 4 am without success. Some customers reported receiving delivery messages as far back as February 11 for January bookings, but cylinders are yet to arrive.
The crisis is not limited to Sundarpada. Long queues have formed outside agencies across Bhubaneswar, delivery services are severely disrupted, and several hotels and restaurants have switched to traditional wood-fired stoves. Residents complain that cooking has become extremely difficult, affecting daily routines and livelihoods.
Authorities attribute the shortage to international supply disruptions caused by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which has impacted LPG availability nationwide. However, many customers accuse local agencies of black marketing and illegally diverting booked cylinders elsewhere.
State and central supply departments are said to be reviewing the situation, but no official statement has been issued so far. Administration officials are attempting to restore normalcy, yet public discontent continues to rise. If the shortage persists, it could further affect employment and everyday life in the city.
Consumers are demanding immediate intervention and have warned that the situation must be resolved before it spirals out of control.
