Panic among consumers over a possible cooking gas shortage led to long queues outside LPG agencies in Itanagar on Friday, with hundreds of people rushing to collect cylinders amid fears of supply disruption.
At Donyi Polo Gas Agency in Gohpur, large crowds were seen waiting for hours. Many consumers said they had already booked cylinders days ago but did not receive home delivery, forcing them to visit the agency in person.
“I made the booking days ago. The home delivery service is yet to come, so I was compelled to come to the agency office to get a cylinder,” a woman standing in the queue said.
A similar situation was reported at Marina Gas Agency in Itanagar, where people began lining up from early morning. Several consumers expressed concern that delays in supply could directly affect their daily lives.
“If I hadn’t gone to the agency to collect cylinder today, my family would have had to sleep on empty stomachs from tonight,” another consumer said over the phone.
The rush at LPG agencies comes amid reports of cooking gas scarcity affecting not just households but also local businesses. Hotel owners and small roadside eateries said they are struggling to manage operations due to limited gas availability. In some areas, food stalls have reportedly stopped serving certain items as they try to conserve fuel.
Despite the growing concern on the ground, the district administration has downplayed fears of a major shortage. Officials said that LPG supply remains stable and urged people not to panic.
District Food and Civil Supplies Officer Honi Bayang said the administration is closely monitoring the situation and is in regular contact with oil marketing companies (OMCs) to ensure steady supply based on demand and booking patterns.
“The district administration is closely monitoring the situation, and is in constant touch with the OMCs to ensure regular supply of LPG consignments based on the sales and bookings,” Bayang said.
To manage the situation better, LPG agencies have been directed to spread awareness about the proper booking process. Officials said that WhatsApp groups will be created to inform consumers about how to book cylinders online and follow the correct procedure.
Authorities have also asked agencies to open at least two counters at LPG godowns. This is aimed at speeding up verification through the Delivery Authorisation Code (DAC) and reducing waiting time for people standing in queues.
