The escalating tensions and conflict in the Middle East are beginning to affect everyday life in India, with cooking gas supply emerging as a major concern. The ongoing crisis linked to the Iran–United States conflict escalation has disrupted global energy supply chains, and its impact is now visible in households across the country.

In Odisha’s capital city Bhubaneswar, consumers are facing long delays in receiving LPG cylinders, forcing many families to wait in long queues outside gas agencies.

Long Queues Outside Gas Agencies

At the Lingaraj HP Gas Station in the Khandagiri area, customers have been lining up since late night in hopes of getting LPG cylinders. Several residents claim they booked their cylinders nearly 20–25 days ago, yet the delivery has not reached their homes.

With cooking gas unavailable, many households are struggling to prepare meals. Some families have even returned to traditional wood stoves, while others are buying gas from the black market at inflated prices.

Black Market Sales and Consumer Hardship

Consumers allege that small quantities of gas are being sold unofficially at around ₹110 per litre in the black market. Some customers say they are being asked to collect cylinders directly from warehouses, while others are told to stand in long queues overnight at distribution centres.

The situation has caused widespread frustration as home delivery services have reportedly slowed down or stopped in some areas.

LPG Prices Rise Across the Country

The crisis has been compounded by a recent price hike. The price of the 14.2-kg domestic LPG cylinder has increased by ₹60 nationwide, while the 19-kg commercial LPG cylinder has gone up by ₹115.

The price surge and supply concerns are being linked to disruptions in energy supply routes due to instability in the Middle East.

Government Steps to Increase LPG Production

To tackle the situation, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has directed oil companies to increase LPG production using propane and butane gases. Refineries have also been instructed not to divert these gases for petrochemical production, ensuring that more LPG is available for domestic use.

The government is using emergency provisions to stabilize supply and prevent shortages.

Odisha Government Urges People Not to Panic

After reviewing the availability of LPG, petrol, and diesel at Lok Seva Bhavan, Odisha Chief Secretary Anu Garg urged citizens not to panic.

Officials confirmed that educational institutions and hospitals are receiving uninterrupted LPG supply and that the overall fuel supply chain remains stable.

Officials Say Supply Is Normal

State head of Indian Oil Corporation, Kamal Sil, said that LPG supply in the state remains normal and there is no need for public panic. He clarified that consumers can book their next cylinder 25 days after delivery of the previous one, and regular distribution will continue.

Similarly, Odisha Petroleum Dealers Association general secretary Sanjay Lath said that both the state and the country currently have more than 20 days of LPG stock available.

Panic Buying Creating Artificial Shortage

Despite government assurances, rumours about a possible LPG shortage have spread rapidly. As a result, many consumers are booking cylinders even when they do not urgently need them.

Officials say this panic buying is creating an artificial shortage, leading to crowding at gas agencies and further delays in delivery.

Authorities have appealed to the public not to believe misleading information and to book LPG only when necessary, assuring that supply will continue as usual.