LPG gas shortage: Long lines continue outside LPG refilling stations and booking centres as fears of a shortage grow amid the ongoing Middle East conflict between the United States-Israel and Iran.As a retaliatory measure for the February 28 US‑Israel strikes that sparked the conflict, Iran has blocked the strategic Strait of Hormuz, raising concerns over fuel supply disruptions. The water body a crucial chokepoint, accounting for around one-fifth of the world’s oil supply passes.Although the government has assured that there is no shortage, these reassurances have done little to calm public concern.The issue has also echoed in Parliament, where opposition parties have accused the government of downplaying the seriousness of the situation.
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Here’s a look at how different states are responding to the LPG supply concerns:DelhiThe Delhi government has assured people that the supply of LPG, petrol, diesel, and PNG is normal, and urged them to refrain from panic buying or hoarding.According to a statement from Delhi chief minister Rekha Gupta’s office, authorities are carrying out 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 conducting rigorous inspections to curb black-marketing and hoarding. A strict vigil is being maintained to prevent the diversion of domestic LPG cylinders for commercial use in restaurants and eateries,” the statement read.The government also informed people that the minimum interval for LPG refill bookings has been revised from 21 days to 25 days.”Despite this revision, consumers are receiving refills within an average of two to three days from the date of booking. To streamline the process, the government encourages the use of digital platforms for bookings,” the statement added.MaharashtraThe Maharashtra government has directed oil companies to immediately repair technical glitches in both their LPG booking apps and missed call services to ensure residents can book their cylinders without any hassle.The state government further announced that control rooms would be promptly set up at various levels, and a WhatsApp facility would also be provided for complaint redressal.However, in view of the upcoming festive season, public institutions would be prioritised to receive uninterrupted supply of LPG cylinders.The government has also instructed authorities to seek the assistance of local representatives and gram panchayat members to prevent panic among citizens.It further stated that the responsibility of providing necessary protection to vehicles transporting LPG, as well as to gas agencies, has been entrusted to the police administration.Uttar PradeshChief minister Yogi Adityanath held a review meeting and assured public that there is no shortage of diesel, petrol, and cooking gas in the state.The chief minister was informed that the supply system is operating smoothly.”There is no shortage of diesel-petrol in Uttar Pradesh. Avoid rumours related to shortage of cooking gas. If any distributor agency or private individual is found involved in black marketing or hoarding, an FIR will be immediately registered against them, and the strictest action will be ensured,” Adityanath posted on X after the meeting.He also recommended the use of alternative fuels by communicating with hostels, hospitals, dharamshalas, hotels, and various commercial establishments.According to the Chief Minister’s Office, police personnel would be deployed at LPG distribution centres to assist in maintaining order.KarnatakaIn Karnataka, deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar said that the state government would take up the issue of LPG shortage in a Cabinet meeting.”There is some issue with gas supply; gas is not available. This is causing problems for everyone. People must have all the facilities needed for food. In the coming days, we do not know what situation may arise,” he told reporters.Shivakumar urged the Centre to act immediately to resolve or else, Karnataka’s farmers would have to use firewood as an alternative.Meanwhile, the Karnataka State Hotel Association called for a portion of commercial LPG cylinders to be reallocated for commercial use to ensure kitchens across Bengaluru continue functioning smoothly.BiharIn state capital Patna, district magistrate Thiyagarajan SM said the administrative machinery is working proactively to ensure that domestic LPG consumers do not face any inconvenience.”Any kind of laxity, negligence or irregularity will not be tolerated. Directions have also been issued to immediately register FIRs and arrest the concerned agencies or individuals if complaints of black marketing, hoarding or sale at higher prices are received,” he stated.According to the district administration, booking and delivery are being carried out through missed calls, SMS/IVRS, WhatsApp, and OTP-based systems.The administration also issued a helpline number (0612-2219810) for seamless distribution and monitoring of LPG cylinder supply. The helpline will be open to public grievances from 9 am to 6 pm daily.Holidays of block supply officers and assistant district supply officers have been cancelled till the next order.The district administration also formed 28 Quick Response Teams (QRTs) for the timely resolution of complaints related to the supply of LPG cylinders.Tamil NaduChief minister MK Stalin urged the public not to panic, assuring that the country has adequate fuel reserves.”The Tamil Nadu government would extend full support to the Centre in managing any challenges arising from the international situation,” an official statement quoted Stalin as saying.He emphasised that he had chaired a high-level review meeting and written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the 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. As per the body, all the petrol pumps across the state, around 7,000 in number, are receiving regular fuel supplies.TelanganaThe state government will meet representatives of oil marketing companies on Friday, civil supplies minister N Uttam Reddy announced.He added that has been no problem in the supply of domestic LPG cylinders so far.”In Telangana, domestic supply is 86 per cent and commercial supply is 14 per cent. There is no problem in 86 per cent domestic supply so far. Some problems have come to our notice over commercial supply,” Reddy told reporters.Chief Secretary K Ramakrishna Rao would also be present in the meeting.As per Hyderabad Hotels Association president Ashok Reddy, the hotels are trying to manage the situation by making use of existing stocks, while some others are using wood as fuel.(With agency inputs) Go to Source
