Panic LPG rush grips Old Delhi; long queues, police deployed outside gas agencies

Chaos broke out across several parts of Delhi on Friday, particularly in Old Delhi and adjoining areas, as residents rushed to secure LPG cylinders amid mounting anxiety over supply. Long queues formed outside gas agencies and police had to be deployed at some locations to manage the crowds.

The Times of India witnessed long lines and frayed tempers outside an LPG agency office at Delhi Gate, where residents waited for hours hoping to secure domestic cylinders. Many complained that online booking systems were not working and that calls to distributors were going unanswered.

Radha Rani, 60, from Ajmeri Gate stood in line clutching her grandson, saying she had already returned empty-handed on three occasions. "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 claims supply runs out by the time her number comes up.


Residents said LPG cylinders were earlier delivered to homes, but now they were forced to queue outside agency offices and godowns, often missing work in the process. Police personnel — including three male officers and a woman constable — were stationed outside the Delhi Gate agency during peak crowding between 10.30am and noon.

Soon after, however, distributors allegedly pulled down the shutters, further angering those waiting outside.

Jugal Kishore, 56, who had come to collect a domestic cylinder, said he had to leave work after being told fresh paperwork 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 online booking systems had stopped functioning. One man dialled the agency number listed on the website and held up his phone to show how the call was disconnected after just two rings.

Among those making repeated trips to the Delhi Gate agency was Naved, 37. "For five days I have been coming here just to get a receipt," he said. "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."

Outside a nearby godown about a kilometre away, several residents held up receipts and alleged that suppliers were diverting cylinders to restaurant owners while keeping the gates locked for domestic consumers.

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 feared that the booking dates allotted to them might become invalid since they were repeatedly being asked to return the next day.

Concerns were also fuelled by reports of hoarding, a sharp rise in induction stove prices at neighbourhood shops and dwindling stocks on online platforms. "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?"

While panic was visible in several parts of Old Delhi, distribution appeared relatively stable in some other areas of the city. In south Delhi’s Lajpat Nagar IV and Greater Kailash II, operations continued largely normally, though residents in Lajpat Nagar said footfall was higher than usual. At Gole Market in central Delhi, only minor crowding was seen with people standing in queues.

For many residents of Old Delhi, however, the only option appears to be returning to the queues again the next day in the hope of securing a cooking gas cylinder.

(With inputs from TOI)