An unusual rush at LPG gas agencies and growing concerns among small food businesses are being witnessed in the twin cities of Durg and Bhilai as delays in gas cylinder supply begin to affect both households and commercial establishments. Since the past few days, long queues have been seen outside gas agencies across the twin cities, with many consumers waiting for hours to collect cylinders. Residents say they are facing delivery delays of around 10 to 12 days. Apart from supply issues, technical problems such as server failures at some agencies have also slowed the booking and distribution process, forcing consumers to either wait longer or return later. Many households are now choosing to visit agencies directly instead of waiting for home delivery. The rush has been further fuelled by fears of supply disruption following discussions about international tensions affecting fuel supply chains. As a precaution, several people are trying to refill cylinders in advance, resulting in panic booking and added pressure on the distribution system. Women and elderly citizens have also been seen standing in queues outside agencies.

 

The impact of the situation is now visible in Bhilai’s Civic Centre, one of the city’s most popular evening food hubs. Several street food vendors and small restaurant operators say they may soon have to shut their shops if commercial LPG cylinders are not available soon. Vendors running food vans and stalls said their gas stock may last only for another day or two. One shop owner said around 15 workers depend on the stall for their daily income, and closure would affect several families. Some vendors have temporarily shifted to cooking on traditional stoves using wood, coal or small furnaces, but they say such arrangements cannot support full-scale food preparation.Business owners also claim that cylinders available in the market are sometimes being sold at higher prices, increasing operational costs. As a result, the usually crowded Civic Centre has started appearing quieter, with some stalls already reducing their operations.

 

Meanwhile, the district administration has begun a special inspection drive to check the illegal use of domestic LPG cylinders in commercial establishments. On the instructions of the district collector, teams from the Food Department are inspecting hotels, restaurants and eateries where complaints of domestic cylinder misuse have been reported. During the checks, several cylinders used for commercial purposes were seized and operators were warned to follow regulations. District Food Controller Anurag Bhadauria said domestic LPG cylinders are subsidised and meant only for household use, while commercial establishments must use designated commercial cylinders. He added that strict action will be taken against violations.