Residents across several parts of New Delhi—particularly in the crowded neighbourhoods of Old Delhi—faced chaos on Friday as people scrambled to obtain LPG cylinders, prompting police deployment outside some gas agencies.
At an LPG agency office near Delhi Gate, long queues formed early in the morning, with residents complaining about booking issues and dwindling supplies. Many said online booking servers were down and that calls to agency numbers were not being answered.
Radha Rani, 60, from Ajmeri Gate, stood in line holding her grandson, saying she had returned empty-handed for three consecutive days.
“My three sons work. My daughter-in-law had a baby 15 days ago, and I have been coming here three days in a row,” she said, adding that the agency claimed supplies ran out before her number came up.
Residents said that earlier cylinders were delivered directly to homes, but many are now forced to queue outside agency offices and godowns, often leaving work to secure a cylinder. Police personnel—including three male officers and a woman constable—were deployed during peak crowding between 10:30 am and noon to manage the situation.
Soon afterward, distributors allegedly shut their counters, further aggravating the crowd.
Jugal Kishore, 56, who had come to collect a domestic cylinder, said he had to leave work after being told that a KYC verification was required.
“I am a government servant. My son called to say they were demanding KYC for me, so I had to leave work and come here. They have never asked for this before,” he said.
Others alleged that the online booking system had been blocked. One resident dialled the agency number listed online and showed how the call disconnected after just two rings.
Among those repeatedly visiting the Delhi Gate agency was Naved, 37, who said he had been trying for five days just to obtain a receipt.
“A tea seller near the shop where I work in Chawri Bazar told me he got a cylinder in black for Rs 3,000. We are trying to get one for our homes but haven’t succeeded,” he said.
Outside a nearby godown about one kilometre away, several residents held up receipts and alleged that suppliers were diverting cylinders to restaurant owners through the black market while keeping the gates shut for ordinary customers.
Pasreena Khatoon, 50, from Delhi Gate, broke down while recounting her struggle.
“I have been trying to get a cylinder for eight days. Today I came at noon and they kept sending me from one place to another. My son and husband are no more. I bring my daughter with me every day,” she said.
Many residents worried that the booking dates allotted to them might become invalid because they were repeatedly asked to return the next day despite having receipts and confirmation messages.
With reports of hoarding and a sharp rise in induction stove prices at local shops—along with stocks running out in larger stores and online platforms—anxiety among residents has intensified.
“I have four hungry children at home,” said Feroz, 40, from Daryaganj. “Many local dhabas are saying they won’t send food. What should I tell my wife and kids?”
However, the situation appeared relatively stable in some other parts of the city. In neighbourhoods such as Lajpat Nagar and Greater Kailash, LPG distribution operations were largely normal, although residents said footfall was higher than usual.
At Gole Market, minor crowding was observed with people standing in queues. But for many residents of Old Delhi, the only option appears to be returning to the queues again tomorrow in the hope of securing a cylinder.
