Noida: Panic-like conditions are being reported in several parts of Noida as residents struggle to get LPG cylinders amid an alleged supply shortage. Long queues have been seen outside gas agencies in Sector 54 and Sector 63, with many residents claiming they have been waiting for two to three days to refill their cylinders.
Residents allege that the shortage is being exploited by black marketers who are selling LPG cylinders for ₹3000 to ₹4000, several times higher than the normal price. The situation has triggered concern across the city as households worry about cooking gas availability.
Long queues outside gas agencies
A large number of residents have gathered outside LPG agencies hoping to get a cylinder refill. Despite waiting in queues for hours, many have reportedly returned home empty-handed.
The supply has become irregular in the past few days and the demand has surged rapidly. Several people were seen carrying empty cylinders while moving from one agency to another in search of stock.
Residents
Many residents claim that the ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East may have indirectly impacted supply chains, leading to uncertainty in the market.
Commercial cylinder shortage hits hotels and eateries
The crisis is not limited to domestic consumers. The shortage of commercial LPG cylinders has started affecting small restaurants, street food vendors and hotels across Noida.
Our business operations are under pressure as stocks are nearly exhausted. We are afraid as we may have to temporarily shut down their establishments if the supply does not normalise within the next couple of days.
Restaurant Owners of Sector 54 and 63
For small food outlets that rely entirely on LPG for cooking, the shortage has quickly turned into a livelihood crisis.
Residents allege black marketing of cylinders
According to them, cylinders that should be available at the standard government rate are allegedly being sold illegally at three to four times the price on the black market.
Residents also said that earlier it was possible to get a cylinder by showing the consumer card, even without online booking. However, with the new online booking system and the ongoing shortage, many people from lower and middle-income households are finding it difficult to arrange cooking gas.
The agency denies the shortage, blames the new booking rule
Meanwhile, the gas agency management has denied any shortage. Munish Kumar, manager of a gas agency, claimed that there is adequate stock and that more than 1,000 cylinders were distributed during the day.
According to him, the rush is largely due to confusion among consumers regarding the revised booking rules. Earlier, a refill booking could be made within 20 days, but the rule has now been changed to 25 days.
He stated that many residents are trying to book cylinders before the permitted time, which is causing issues on the online portal and creating the impression of a shortage.
However, despite these assurances, residents across Noida continue to face difficulties in obtaining LPG cylinders, raising concerns about supply management and possible black marketing in the city.