In several parts of Noida and Ghaziabad, residents have been forced to spend entire nights outside gas agencies in hopes of securing an LPG cylinder refill.
Outside a gas agency in Sector 4, Noida, pavements turned into temporary waiting areas as people spread bedsheets, newspapers, and blankets while lining up with empty cylinders.
Many residents said they arrived late at night believing that cylinders were being distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Families Camp Overnight Hoping for Morning Delivery
Some families, including children, stayed overnight outside the agency to ensure their place in the queue.
Ajeet Singh, a resident of Harola, said he arrived at night after hearing that cylinders might be distributed in the morning.
“We heard cylinders were being given on a first-come basis, so I came at night hoping to get one in the morning,” he said.
By the next morning, long queues had formed outside another gas agency in the Harola area.
Residents Waiting for Days Without Refill
Several residents said they had been trying to get a cylinder for more than a week.
Sumit, a resident of JJ Colony in Sector 9, showed his booking booklet indicating his last refill was delivered on February 10, while his new booking was made on March 11.
After waiting several days for home delivery without success, he decided to join the queue at the agency.
“I came here at 9 pm and waited until morning, but even then I couldn’t get a cylinder,” he said.
Cooking Becomes Impossible for Many Families
For many households dependent on LPG cylinders for daily cooking, the shortage has disrupted routine life.
Jamuna, a resident of Barola, said her family had no cooking gas left despite booking a refill earlier.
“For the last week I have been coming here every day. They said it would be delivered to my home, but no delivery vehicle has arrived,” she said.
Without gas, her family has been surviving on puffed rice, jaggery and fruits, as cooking meals has become impossible.
Supply Disruption Linked to Global Energy Tensions
Officials said the rush outside gas agencies increased after global LPG supply chains were disrupted due to geopolitical tensions in West Asia.
Although authorities maintain that there is no overall shortage, delays in supply have led to panic among residents who rely on LPG cylinders for cooking.
Administration Deploys Police and Begins Inspections
To manage crowds, the administration deployed personnel from the Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) at some gas agencies.
According to Smriti Gautam, district supply officer in Noida, local police were instructed to assist gas agencies in maintaining order.
Authorities have also begun inspections to prevent hoarding and black marketing of LPG cylinders.
During a raid in Maliwara area of Ghaziabad, officials seized six LPG cylinders from a stove shop suspected of unauthorized storage.
Warning Against Black Marketing
Officials warned that hoarding or black marketing of LPG cylinders is punishable under the Essential Commodities Act 1955.
Violations under the law can lead to three months to seven years of imprisonment along with fines.
Authorities have advised residents to book LPG cylinders online for home delivery and avoid crowding outside agencies.
