In the past few weeks, several cities across India were reportedly been facing shortages of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), affecting households and small businesses alike, largely due to disruptions in supply linked to heightened tensions in West Asia.
The ongoing conflict in the region has impacted crude oil and gas shipments, causing delays and logistical challenges that have rippled through India’s energy supply chain. As a result, many consumers have reported difficulty in obtaining LPG cylinders, leading to long queues at distribution centres and increased costs.
Delhi Police Cancel Leave Amid LPG Security Concerns
According to media reports, Delhi Police have meanwhile suspended all routine leave for personnel with immediate effect and deployed staff around the clock outside all LPG cylinder warehouses following rising tensions in West Asia.
“Leave requests will now be sanctioned only in cases of genuine emergencies to maintain heightened readiness across the national capital,” a senior police official told Indian Express.
Round-the-Clock Deployment at LPG Godowns
In addition to cancelling routine leaves, the Delhi Police have instructed all district deputy commissioners of police (DCPs) to identify warehouses and godowns storing LPG cylinders and ensure round-the-clock deployment of personnel to prevent any untoward incidents.
“Specialised units have been asked to monitor the social media to counter any fake narrative and also check any hoardings in their area concerned,” the official added.
Ministry of Home Affairs Issues Advisory
The move comes after the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) advised all states and Union Territories to enhance security around the country’s LPG supply chain, including infrastructure, transportation, and distribution staff. The directive stresses the need to safeguard essential supplies and prevent public unrest amid rumours of potential LPG shortages.
State governments have been asked to monitor local LPG stocks daily, take strict legal action against anyone attempting to disrupt supply operations, and maintain robust law-and-order measures on the ground.
Authorities have also been urged to run public awareness campaigns, both independently and through Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs), to reassure citizens that adequate measures are in place to ensure uninterrupted LPG availability.
Hoarding, Theft, Political Links Amid Shortage
As per recent reports Uttar Pradesh Police recovered 55 filled cylinders from the residence of Samajwadi Party leader Abdul Rehman in Hapur during a raid, while in Jhansi, authorities busted a gang involved in stealing LPG cylinders around Holi, arresting seven people and recovering over 500 stolen cylinders.
🚨 Jhansi, UP: Police bust a gang involved in the Holi LPG cylinder theft, arresting 7 accused and recovering over 500 stolen cylinders.
Police also seized ₹11.10 lakh in cash and ₹83,820 from alleged illegal sales.pic.twitter.com/45CwHBCY6k
— Megh Updates 🚨™ (@MeghUpdates) March 12, 2026
Police also seized Rs 11.10 lakh in cash and ₹83,820 from alleged illegal sales. These incidents indicate that hoarding, theft, and black-market operations are aggravating the supply crunch, creating panic among consumers.
GAS SHORTAGE POLITICALLY MOTIVATED?
Uttar Pradesh Police recover 55 filled cylinders from Samajwadi Party leader Abdul Rehman’s residence in Hapur during raid. pic.twitter.com/1EIMT9jJTN
— Rahul Shivshankar (@RShivshankar) March 13, 2026
The combination of heightened geopolitical tensions in West Asia, disruptions in imports, and opportunistic criminal activity has put extra pressure on India’s LPG distribution network. If unchecked, such practices could not only worsen shortages but also fuel public unrest, necessitating stricter monitoring, legal action, and awareness campaigns to ensure fair and uninterrupted supply.
