Bhubaneswar, April 2: The LPG supply crisis is deepening across Odisha, severely impacting both commercial establishments and domestic consumers. Hotels, shopkeepers and small businesses are facing acute shortages of commercial cylinders, while the disruption is now spreading to households in both rural and urban areas.

Despite repeated bookings, consumers are not receiving LPG cylinders, with delays stretching over several days. Empty cylinders remain unreplaced, triggering widespread frustration. Adding to the discontent, gas companies have been sending automated messages urging customers to remain patient and avoid repeated calls.

Allegations of black marketing have intensified amid the shortage. While official distributors report limited stock, cylinders are reportedly being sold illegally at prices ranging from ₹2,000 to ₹2,500. In Digapahandi, customers are seen returning empty-handed after standing in long queues at distribution centres.

Crackdown on black marketing:

In Badamba’s Jhajia village, the supply department carried out a raid and seized 37 LPG cylinders from a shop allegedly involved in illegal trade. The seized stock included 13 filled and 24 empty cylinders. Similar scenes have been reported from Kalahandi district, where long queues have formed outside gas agencies, with people, including women with children, waiting for hours under the scorching sun.

The crisis persists in Kantabanji as well, with customers expressing frustration over non-availability. In Cuttack, distributors have attributed the disruption to slow internet connectivity affecting LPG distribution. However, the explanation has drawn criticism from consumers.

Meanwhile, the price of 19-kg commercial LPG cylinders has been increased by ₹195.50 in the latest revision, further adding to the burden on businesses. With domestic cylinders being sold at inflated rates in the black market, consumers have urged authorities to ensure adequate supply and take strict action against illegal practices.