Prolonged LPG supply disruption triggers overnight queues in Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar(By Abhishek Mohanty): A severe disruption in the supply of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) has compelled residents of Bhubaneswar to assemble in lengthy queues since Monday night outside the Lingaraj Gas Station at Khandagiri area in Bhubaneswar to procure cooking gas cylinders.

Eyewitnesses reported an unusual sight as consumers strategically placed their LPG passbooks in front of the distribution centre to secure their position in the queue, anticipating limited availability of cylinders.

Several residents expressed deep concern, alleging that cylinder deliveries had remained suspended for nearly 20 to 25 days, thereby aggravating domestic hardships for households dependent on LPG for daily cooking.

Amid mounting public inconvenience, officials of the gas agency attempted to pacify the aggrieved consumers, assuring them that cylinders would be distributed systematically once their respective turns arrive.

Preliminary indications suggest that the shortage could be a consequence of supply chain disruptions impacting the Indian energy market, reportedly influenced by geopolitical tensions stemming from the ongoing Iran-Isreal war. 

The conflict has continued to exert pressure on global fuel logistics and energy supply networks, indirectly affecting LPG distribution in several regions.

Residents, however, have urged authorities to expedite replenishment of stocks to prevent further inconvenience and restore normalcy in LPG supply.