Bhubaneswar, Mar 11: Bhubaneswar witnessed long queues and widespread confusion outside several cooking gas agencies on Tuesday, as residents rushed to collect LPG cylinders amid fears of a potential shortage. The panic comes amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East, which many consumers fear could disrupt gas supplies.

Customers reportedly waited for hours outside agencies, but many left empty-handed. Chaotic scenes and heated arguments were reported at multiple outlets, with people questioning why their pre-booked cylinders were not being delivered.

Several consumers also said they were unable to place new bookings throughout the day. Gas agencies cited delays in fresh stock arrivals and informed customers that deliveries could be postponed. Some outlets reportedly refused to issue new LPG connections, citing instructions from higher authorities.

Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) area has 28 gas agencies catering to approximately 4,62,880 consumers. While cylinders were usually delivered within one or two days of booking, residents claim that deliveries have recently been delayed for more than a week, adding to public frustration.

Authorities have yet to issue an official statement on measures to address the situation, leaving consumers anxious about uninterrupted LPG supply in the coming days.