Key moments
On March 25, 2026, a critical shortage of LPG gas cylinders has emerged in Delhi, sparking protests from members of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). The situation has escalated to the point where residents are forming long queues across the city, desperately seeking to secure a cylinder for their households. Reports indicate that the price of these cylinders has surged dramatically, with many being sold for between ₹5000 to ₹6000.
The immediate impact of this shortage is being felt not only in Delhi but across the country. As people struggle to find a reliable source of cooking gas, AAP leaders have voiced their concerns, with Atishi stating, “Today, across the country, long queues are forming for a single gas cylinder.” Sanjeev Jha echoed this sentiment, lamenting the devastation caused by the lack of available cylinders.
In Meghalaya, the tourism sector is facing significant challenges due to a shortage of commercial LPG. Hotels and restaurants are scaling down their operations, unable to provide services without a steady supply of gas. The hospitality industry, which welcomed 1.6 million tourists last year, is now warning that prolonged shortages could severely affect visitor experiences. Kuldeep Kumar highlighted the dire situation, saying, “People need to organise ‘bhandara(s)’ and prepare fasting meals at home, but there are no cylinders.”
This crisis is rooted in broader geopolitical issues, particularly disruptions in LPG supply from the Middle East due to the blockage of the Strait of Hormuz. The Indian government is responding by pushing for a transition from LPG to piped natural gas (PNG) in areas where it is available. Households will be given a three-month window to switch to PNG once notified, or risk having their LPG supply discontinued.
Officials have indicated that this shift is part of a larger strategy to reduce dependence on imported LPG amidst ongoing geopolitical energy crises. The government is also accelerating the expansion of natural gas pipelines across India to mitigate future shortages.
As the situation unfolds, the AAP continues to hold the government accountable, with Atishi accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi of failing to address the crisis, stating, “Narendra Modi Ne Kiya Surrender, Gayab Hua Gas Cylinder.” The urgency of the situation has prompted calls for immediate action to alleviate the suffering of those affected.
With essential services like hospitals being prioritized for available LPG stocks, the ramifications of this shortage are far-reaching. As Delhi grapples with this crisis, the hope is that swift government intervention can restore normalcy and ensure that residents have access to the vital resources they need.
