After the war between the United States, Israel, and Iran began, as soon as concerns about a shortage of LPG gas arose, I had written that it must be ensured that roadside eateries (dhabas) continue to receive gas cylinders. For truck drivers especially, these dhabas are often the only source of food. That concern has now proven true.
Many dhabas have already shut down. Those that are still open are burning wood and serving food cooked once for the entire day. In several places, food is not available at all. Even in urban areas, many hotels and restaurants are facing similar problems. Working women are struggling whether to go to work or stand in long queues for gas cylinders.
The government claims there is absolutely no shortage of cylinders, but there are certainly disruptions in the supply chain. India imports about 60% of its LPG needs through the Strait of Hormuz. Earlier, LPG-laden ships would reach India from Hormuz in about 11 days. Due to Iran’s cooperation, ships are still arriving via this route, but their frequency has decreased and transit time has increased. Ships are also coming from other countries, but those routes are much longer.
Due to delays in LPG supply, the government has decided to prioritise domestic consumers. Commercial LPG is no longer a priority. As a result, many hotels and restaurants in urban areas have started using domestic gas cylinders.
This has led to rampant black marketing of both commercial and domestic LPG. But before discussing black marketing, consider this: India has around 330 million domestic LPG consumers. According to the Petroleum Ministry, the daily demand is about 5.5 million cylinders. This has now increased to 7.5 million cylinders per day. The obvious question is—where are the extra 2 million cylinders going? And if supply is so high, why is there black marketing? Is it just panic booking, or are opportunists exploiting the crisis for profit?
Today, even if you book a cylinder, you may not get it but in the black market, it is easily available at double the price.
Clearly, this black-market money is being looted from the pockets of ordinary citizens. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has clearly stated that petroleum companies in India are operating at full capacity and people should not worry about LPG shortages. Yet, the reality is different. People have started buying alternatives like regular induction and infrared stoves, and their prices have skyrocketed. Stoves that were available for ₹2,000 are now being sold for ₹4,000–₹4,500.
Has anyone tried to find out who increased these prices? Has any action been taken against this black marketing? Have companies or dealers been questioned? Not at all because there is no effective system in place for immediate action in such situations.
There could have been chaos over petrol and diesel as well, but due to government efficiency, the situation did not worsen. In the last week of the previous month, rumors of diesel shortages spread across several parts of the country. Diesel is essential for farmers, as electricity is not always available and irrigation pumps depend on diesel. Other agricultural machinery also requires it.
Naturally, people in rural areas started hoarding diesel in drums. However, district collectors acted swiftly and enforced strict measures, bringing the situation under control. Now, the government must also focus on preventing black marketing of fertilizers, as they are also imported. Farmers already suffer due to unpredictable weather—now they are also being exploited by profiteers.
Petroleum companies did not raise prices because the government provided them with a rebate of ₹10. However, airlines did not show similar restraint. Despite the government reducing taxes on aviation fuel to zero, airline companies have sharply increased airfares.
Has the government questioned the airlines about this price hike? In today’s time, air travel is not a luxury but a necessity. Even middle-class individuals depend on it. Such steep fare increases directly burden the common man.
Overall, the common citizen is under severe stress. Their financial condition is being constantly strained. It is a major challenge for the government to make people’s lives easier in such times. A government is truly appreciated when it safely navigates through crises with vigilance and responsibility.
This is indeed a time of crisis, and to overcome it, transparency and unity are essential. The government must communicate the truth clearly, and citizens must stand together in support. Only then can we get through this situation.
And yes, I strongly condemn those individuals and political parties who are trying to exploit this crisis for their own political gains.
