Gurpreet Singh :- The escalating conflict in the Middle East involving United States, Israel and Iran has begun to impact consumer behavior in Punjab, where fears of a potential fuel supply disruption have led to panic LPG bookings. Long queues have been reported outside several gas agencies across the state as residents rush to secure cooking gas cylinders.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has issued strict directives to all Deputy Commissioners, instructing them to ensure that no shortage of LPG occurs anywhere in the state. He also warned that strict action will be taken against anyone involved in hoarding or black-marketing cylinders.
Meanwhile, Komal Mittal urged residents to ignore rumours about LPG or petroleum shortages and refrain from spreading misinformation. She advised people to purchase petrol, diesel and LPG only according to their normal requirements and avoid unnecessary stockpiling. Citizens were also asked to report any incidents of illegal hoarding or black-marketing of petroleum products to the district administration so that action can be taken.
According to official directions, certain restrictions have temporarily been imposed on the supply of commercial LPG cylinders, although limited exemptions have been granted for essential services such as educational institutions and healthcare facilities. For domestic consumers, gas agencies are currently clearing pending bookings first, resulting in a delay of about seven to eight days in deliveries. Agency operators say the sudden surge in bookings due to panic buying has strained the supply chain.
In Jalandhar, the situation appears more concerning, with reports of shortages of both domestic and commercial LPG cylinders. Domestic consumers are now reportedly allowed to book only one cylinder per month instead of once every fifteen days. The disruption in commercial cylinder supply has also raised concerns among dhaba operators, hotel owners and restaurant businesses, many of whom claim they have only two to three days of stock left. If the situation continues, some establishments may be forced to temporarily shut operations, potentially affecting catering arrangements for weddings and large events.
