Iran War Triggers LPG Panic Buying In India, Cylinders Sold For ₹1,500 In Black Market

Long queues are seen outside LPG agencies in several cities, but officials say there is no nationwide shortage of cooking gas.

The ongoing conflict involving Iran has triggered panic buying of LPG cylinders in several parts of India, with reports of long queues outside gas agencies and cylinders allegedly being sold for as much as ₹1,500 in the black market.

Scenes of consumers standing in long lines with empty cylinders have been reported in several cities and towns, including parts of the National Capital Region and Uttar Pradesh. In one widely circulated video from a village in Sitapur district, hundreds of residents were seen sitting outside an LPG agency with their cylinders, waiting for refills.

Similar reports of increased bookings and rush at LPG distribution centres have also emerged from cities such as Hyderabad, Ranchi, Kolkata and parts of Goa.

Panic Buying Linked To Iran Conflict

The sudden rush for LPG cylinders is linked to fears of supply disruptions due to the escalating conflict in the Middle East. The war has raised concerns about the safety of shipments passing through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important routes for oil and gas transportation.

India imports nearly two-thirds of its LPG requirement, and around 80 per cent of those imports pass through the Strait of Hormuz. This has triggered anxiety among consumers about the availability of cooking gas.

Cylinders Reportedly Sold On Black Market

In some areas, the panic has led to irregular practices. Consumers in certain towns claimed they had to buy domestic LPG cylinders for up to ₹1,500 from the black market due to limited availability at official agencies.

Authorities believe that some suppliers may be taking advantage of the situation and consumer fears to make quick profits.

Government Denies LPG Shortage

Despite the rush at distribution centres, officials have clarified that there is no nationwide shortage of LPG in India.

The government has said the queues are largely the result of panic bookings rather than an actual supply crisis. Consumers booking cylinders simultaneously have temporarily put pressure on the distribution system.

Officials also stated that India currently has adequate LPG stocks and that refineries have been asked to increase production to ensure smooth supplies.

New Booking Restrictions Introduced

To prevent hoarding and manage distribution, new booking restrictions have been introduced.

Consumers with a single LPG cylinder can now make a fresh booking only after 21 days, while those with double cylinders must wait 30 days before placing the next order.

The government recently increased the price of non-subsidised domestic LPG cylinders by ₹60, taking the cost of a 14.2-kg cylinder to around ₹913 in Delhi. Commercial cylinders have also become costlier.

Officials Urge People Not To Panic

Authorities have urged consumers not to panic and assured that LPG supplies remain stable across the country. Officials say the current rush is largely driven by fear and precautionary stocking rather than a real shortage.

The government is also exploring additional imports from countries such as Algeria, Australia, Canada and Norway to ensure uninterrupted supply if global disruptions continue.