The effects of the Iran war are slowly being felt in India. Panic buying of LPG cylinders has already been reported in Kolkata, as people fear a possible shortage.
Although the central government has assured citizens that there is no need to worry, supply issues have begun to appear.
In Bengaluru, the sudden shortage of commercial LPG cylinders has forced several hotels and restaurants to shut down temporarily.
The problem has now spread to states like Punjab and Haryana, where caterers, wedding organisers and restaurants are struggling to arrange gas cylinders. If the shortage continues, it could further affect businesses and daily life in several parts of the country.
To say in detail, the supply of commercial LPG cylinders in Punjab and Haryana has been disrupted, creating serious problems during the ongoing wedding season.
Families preparing for weddings are struggling to arrange cooking gas at the last minute. The shortage has affected many cities such as Ludhiana, Patiala and Jalandhar.
The crisis has also raised concerns for the hotel and restaurant industry, which depends heavily on gas for daily operations.
With commercial LPG supply reportedly stopped since Monday, marriage hall owners and caterers are worried about managing wedding functions and large gatherings.
In some areas of Punjab and Chandigarh, including Nayagaon in Mohali district and Kansal village, even domestic LPG cylinders are not available.
Residents say they have been visiting gas agencies and standing in long queues for days, but the agencies report that there is currently no supply.
Officials from the LPG distributor federation have asked people not to panic or hoard gas cylinders. However, hotel and restaurant owners fear that the shortage could lead to black-market sales at higher prices.
If the supply problem continues, many businesses may be forced to either buy expensive cylinders or temporarily close their operations.
