LPG crisis deepens across India:Supply disruptions trigger long queues, protests, and surge in alternative fuel demand

A shortage of LPG cylinders is being reported from several parts of India, with long queues outside gas agencies, restaurants scaling down operations and political parties trading blame over the emerging crisis. In Kutch, Gujarat, residents were seen waiting outside gas agencies with empty cylinders as supply disruptions continued. Similar scenes were reported in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, where people queued up to refill cylinders amid uncertainty over deliveries. Rajasthan sees widespread disruption The crisis has been particularly visible in Rajasthan, where long queues have been reported outside gas agencies in Jaipur, Alwar, Kota, Bharatpur and Jodhpur. Consumers have also complained that domestic LPG bookings have stopped due to a suspected technical issue with the Bharat Gas server, though the company has not officially confirmed the problem. To curb black marketing, the state government has cancelled the leave of officials and staff of the Food Department. Enforcement teams have also stepped up inspections. In Udaipur, district administration teams seized six cylinders that were allegedly being illegally refilled. Officials said commercial cylinders were being used to refill domestic ones. The shortage has begun affecting the hospitality sector as well. In Sam, near Jaisalmer, around 150 resorts are reportedly preparing to suspend operations as gas stocks run out. Several restaurants in Jaipur and Jodhpur have also cut their menus by nearly half. Consumers shift to alternative fuels With LPG becoming scarce, many consumers are turning to alternative cooking options. Traders say demand for coal and firewood has risen sharply. In Kota, mess and hostel operators have begun using coal and traditional furnaces after failing to obtain LPG cylinders. A coal trader said demand had increased from around 12 tonnes to nearly 15 tonnes within a few days. At the same time, sales of electric induction cooktops have surged. In Jaipur alone, traders say monthly sales have risen from around 2,500–3,000 units to nearly 4,500. Record surge in online appliance sales E-commerce platforms have also reported a sharp spike in demand for electric cooking appliances. According to industry data, sales of induction cooktops on Amazon have jumped nearly 30 times in the past few days, while Flipkart has recorded a fourfold increase. Demand for electric kettles, rice cookers and similar appliances has also risen significantly. Electronics retailer Croma said demand for induction cooktops has grown nearly threefold in recent days. Kitchen appliance manufacturer StoveKraft reported that its weekly sales on e-commerce platforms have increased about four times. Government urges calm The Union government has urged consumers not to panic, saying the country’s energy supply remains secure and LPG production has been increased. Officials said the supply of domestic LPG remains normal and that cylinders are being delivered within about two-and-a-half days after booking. However, with shortages reported from several states and demand for alternative fuels rising rapidly, the situation remains under close watch.