The ongoing conflict between US-Israel-Iran has began to affect the LPG supply system in Punjab and Chandigarh now, which has led to disruptions in cylinder bookings and crowding at gas agencies. As per the reports, commercial cylinders have become largely unavailable in many areas, while domestic cylinder bookings are also facing a hiccup due to server downtime. This has left the customers waiting for OTPs required for booking confirmations.
In Amritsar, one gas agency was reportedly shut temporarily after a large crowd gathered outside.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann talking about the situation has said that instructions have been issued to all deputy commissioners across Punjab to ensure that there is no shortage of LPG gas anywhere in the state. He has also warned of strict action against those found hoarding cylinders or selling them in the black market.
A similar situation has been reported in Chandigarh were gas agencies are witnessing heavy crowds where several people carrying empty cylinders but were unable to obtain filled ones. One resident complained that his children were hungry at home and he had come to purchase a cylinder but was refused. He also stated that after purchasing one cylinder, the next booking is allowed only after 30 days.
On the other hand, Arun Gupta, president of the LPG Dealers Association, affirms that there is no shortage of domestic gas cylinders. According to him, every agency has cylinders available. However, due to bookings not appearing on the online portal, deliveries have become difficult as cylinders cannot be issued without proper booking verification.