Panic Buying of LPG Cylinders Reported in Chandigarh Tricity

Rumours of a possible shortage of cooking gas, petrol, and diesel have spread widely across Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh amid tensions in West Asia caused by the confrontation between Iran and the United States–Israel alliance. As a result, a large number of people have started rushing to refill cooking gas cylinders. This has led to long queues of customers outside gas agencies across the Chandigarh Tricity area. Many residents are booking LPG cylinders in advance due to concerns over possible supply disruptions. Meanwhile, a decline in the supply of commercial gas cylinders has begun to affect the hospitality sector in the city. Several hotels, clubs, and restaurants have started reducing their menus to continue operations with limited gas supplies. Restaurant owners say that the reduced availability of commercial cylinders in recent days has made it difficult to manage daily kitchen operations. Chandigarh Hospitality Association President Ankit Gupta said that the shortage of commercial cylinders is creating difficulties for restaurant, hotel, and club owners. He added that if the situation continues for a longer period, it could lead to significant inconvenience for businesses and customers. However, officials from oil marketing companies have clarified that the shortage is currently limited to the distribution of commercial gas cylinders. They have assured that the supply of domestic LPG cylinders will not be affected. A gas agency owner stated that bookings for gas cylinders have increased significantly due to public concern. However, cylinders will be delivered only when customers’ booking numbers come up, in accordance with the standard distribution process.