Fears of a cooking gas shortage triggered a surge in LPG cylinder booking requests across Delhi on Tuesday after the government invoked the Essential Commodities Act to prioritise domestic fuel supply.
Gas agencies across the city reported receiving a large number of calls from customers seeking immediate delivery of cylinders. The sudden rush followed the government’s decision to introduce a 25-day minimum gap between domestic LPG cylinder bookings.
Officials, however, insisted that there is no shortage of LPG supply and urged residents not to panic.
Government Introduces 25-Day Gap to Prevent Hoarding
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas confirmed that the minimum booking gap for domestic LPG cylinders has been increased from 21 days to 25 days.
The move aims to prevent panic buying, hoarding, and black-market activity amid supply disruptions caused by the widening conflict in West Asia.
Authorities said the measure is precautionary and intended to ensure fair distribution of LPG to households across India.
Gas Agencies Report Surge in Customer Requests
Several LPG distributors in Delhi reported unusual demand from consumers soon after the announcement.
A representative from a gas agency near the Jhandewalan Temple said the booking system was not generating slips for customers who had already ordered cylinders within the restricted period.
The agency added that many residents who booked cylinders a few days earlier are currently unable to receive deliveries due to the new 25-day rule.
Supply Concerns Reported in Some Areas
Some distributors in western parts of Delhi also reported temporary supply issues.
An LPG agency in Kirti Nagar said it usually receives around 350 cylinders daily from suppliers in Haryana, but the delivery did not arrive on Tuesday.
The agency managed to continue sales using remaining stock from the previous day but expressed uncertainty about future supplies if delays continue.
Commercial Establishments Face Greater Challenges
Restaurants and commercial establishments are facing additional pressure due to the situation.
Some distributors said they have temporarily stopped supplying commercial LPG cylinders after receiving instructions to prioritise domestic consumers.
Restaurant owners in busy areas such as Connaught Place said the uncertainty is affecting kitchen operations, especially in establishments that rely heavily on LPG cylinders.
Operators added that restaurants without access to piped gas are particularly vulnerable to supply disruptions.
Reports of Black Market Activity
Amid the panic, there have been reports of LPG cylinders being sold at inflated prices in the black market.
Some small business owners claimed that cylinders priced around ₹1,100 are being offered for nearly ₹2,000 in unofficial sales.
Authorities have warned that strict action will be taken against illegal hoarding or black-market trading of LPG cylinders.
Government Urges Public Not to Panic
Officials reiterated that India has adequate LPG reserves and urged consumers not to rush into unnecessary bookings.
The government said the precautionary measures are meant to maintain stable domestic supply as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East continue to affect global energy markets.
