LPG Scare Pushes NCR Households Toward PNG; IGL Sees Sharp Surge in Demand

Amid ongoing tensions in West Asia and their ripple effects on fuel supply chains, the National Capital Region (NCR) is witnessing a growing shortage/scare of domestic LPG cylinders. The situation has triggered a noticeable shift among consumers, who are increasingly opting for more reliable alternatives such as Piped Natural Gas (PNG).

Indraprastha Gal Limited spokesperson told www.indianpsu.com that IGL is now receiving over 300 new connection requests daily and has mobilized extra teams to install 1,500+ connections per day to stabilize the region’s energy security.There has been a 200% to 300% increase in total calls. Specifically for new PNG connections, calls have jumped from an average of 100 per day to over 300 per day (a 200% increase).

Rising Demand, Operational Pressure

IGL sources indicate that the company is witnessing nearly three times the usual number of applications. Earlier, about 100 applications were received daily in certain pockets, which has now jumped to over 300. Pending connection requests have also doubled, putting additional pressure on installation teams.

To cope with the surge, IGL has ramped up operations, deploying teams in additional shifts and prioritizing older pending applications. The total number of PNG connections in some NCR districts is now nearing 3.5 lakh, reflecting a steady transition toward piped gas infrastructure.

Businesses Hit Hard, Switching Quickly

The LPG shortage has particularly impacted commercial establishments such as restaurants, sweet shops, and small food vendors. Several eateries and establishments in areas like Ghaziabad and Noida have already applied for PNG connections to avoid disruption in operations.

Business owners highlight that PNG offers a continuous and uninterrupted supply, eliminating the uncertainty associated with LPG cylinder availability. This reliability is proving critical for maintaining daily operations.

Alternative Fuels See Uptick

In the absence of LPG, many small vendors and households have started using induction cooktops, while some roadside vendors have reverted to traditional fuels such as wood and coal. However, the increased use of electricity is raising concerns about higher power bills.

Tea stalls and street vendors—key to NCR’s informal economy—are among the worst affected. In several local markets, customers are facing difficulty even in accessing basic services like tea due to fuel shortages.

Structural Shift in Energy Preference

Industry observers believe the current crisis could accelerate a long-term shift toward PNG in urban clusters like NCR. With stable supply, cost efficiency, and increasing pipeline infrastructure, PNG is emerging as a preferred alternative for both households and businesses.

As geopolitical uncertainties continue, energy consumption patterns in NCR appear to be undergoing a structural change—one that could reshape the region’s fuel landscape in the months ahead.

Long Queues at LPG Agencies

Meanwhile, LPG agencies across NCR are witnessing long queues, with consumers waiting for hours and, in many cases, returning empty-handed. The supply-demand mismatch has led to growing public dissatisfaction.

Has the Delhi Government Failed to Act Against LPG Hoarders?

Even as the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas and state-run oil marketing companies—Indian Oil Corporation Limited, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited, and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited—maintain that there is no shortage of LPG cylinders in the market, the ground reality in Delhi and the wider NCR appears starkly different.

Consumers across several parts of the capital are struggling to procure LPG cylinders with ease. Long queues at agencies, delayed deliveries, and reports of limited stock availability suggest a widening gap between official claims and on-ground experience.

Hoarding and Black Marketing Concerns

The situation has raised serious concerns about hoarding and black marketing. When supply is officially adequate but accessibility remains constrained, it often indicates disruptions at the distribution level. Traders and local operators allegedly divert cylinders, creating artificial scarcity and selling them at inflated prices.

If such practices are indeed widespread, it points to a lapse in enforcement rather than supply.

Role of the Delhi Government

The onus now shifts to the Government of Delhi to step up enforcement. Under the Essential Commodities framework, authorities have the power to:

• Conduct raids and inspections on LPG distributors
• Crack down on illegal storage and diversion
• Monitor supply chains more closely
• Take punitive action against offenders

However, the persistence of consumer hardship raises a critical question: Has enforcement been adequate and timely?

Need for Immediate Intervention

The current situation calls for swift and visible action:

• Surprise inspections of LPG godowns and distribution points
• Strict penalties for hoarding and black marketing
• Public helplines and grievance redressal mechanisms
• Real-time monitoring of LPG supply and delivery

Without decisive intervention, the credibility of official assurances risks being undermined.

Public Sentiment and Policy Credibility

For the common citizen, the issue is simple—availability. If cylinders are not accessible when needed, claims of “no shortage” lose meaning. The disconnect between policy statements and consumer experience could erode trust unless corrective steps are taken urgently.

The Bottom Line

While upstream supply may be stable, the last-mile distribution appears compromised. Whether due to administrative inertia or enforcement gaps, hoarders and black marketeers seem to be exploiting the situation.

The coming days will be crucial. A strong crackdown by the Delhi Government could not only ease public distress but also restore confidence in the system.