Jaipur, March 13, 2026: A growing liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) crisis in Jaipur has disrupted household cooking, industrial production, and restaurant operations, with booking servers crashing under heavy demand and reports of cylinders being sold in the black market at inflated prices.
Booking Systems Collapse Amid Surge in Demand
Residents across Jaipur reported major difficulties booking LPG refills as oil marketing company servers became overloaded due to a sudden surge in demand. Consumers attempting to book cylinders online or through automated systems often failed to receive confirmation numbers, leaving many uncertain about delivery timelines.
Gas agency operators said the issue has been particularly severe with the booking systems of Indian Oil Corporation, while platforms of other companies such as HPCL and BPCL appeared somewhat more accessible. However, even those systems have experienced delays due to the unusually high volume of bookings.
The surge in bookings has been attributed to fears of a potential shortage, prompting many residents to attempt multiple bookings or seek refills earlier than usual.
Black Market Activity Raises Concern
The disruption in official supply channels has reportedly triggered black-market sales of LPG cylinders, with some consumers paying more than double the official price to obtain fuel for cooking.
State authorities have expressed concern over the situation. Officials warned that strict action will be taken against hoarding and illegal sale of LPG cylinders as enforcement teams monitor the situation.
Industries and Businesses Hit Hard
The shortage has begun to affect businesses that rely heavily on LPG. A glass manufacturing facility operated by Borosil Ltd near Jaipur has partially halted production after receiving notice of LPG supply restrictions from oil marketing companies.
Industry representatives warn that if supply disruptions continue, more factories and manufacturing units may be forced to reduce operations or shut down temporarily. The shortage has also raised concerns for sectors such as ceramics, engineering, and fertilizers that depend on gas as a major energy input.
Restaurants and Food Services Struggle
Restaurants and cloud kitchens across several Indian cities, including Jaipur, are also struggling to stay open due to the scarcity of commercial LPG cylinders. Some eateries have reduced menu options or temporarily closed operations as cooking fuel becomes harder to obtain.
The situation has also affected food delivery platforms, as fewer restaurants remain operational during the crisis.
Shift to Alternatives
With LPG becoming difficult to obtain, households have started turning to electric induction stoves as an alternative cooking option. However, retailers in Jaipur say demand for these appliances has surged sharply, leaving many shops out of stock.
Government Response
The Rajasthan government has attempted to calm public concerns, stating that domestic LPG stocks are sufficient and urging residents not to panic or hoard cylinders. Vigilance teams have been deployed across districts to monitor illegal storage, hoarding, or diversion of gas supplies.
Officials say domestic cylinder deliveries are continuing and are expected to be completed within a few days of booking through authorized channels.
Wider Supply Concerns
Energy experts note that the shortage is partly linked to global fuel supply disruptions tied to tensions in West Asia, which have affected LPG supply chains and raised concerns about availability across parts of India.
For now, residents and businesses in Jaipur remain uncertain about when normal supply and booking services will resume, as authorities continue efforts to stabilize distribution and curb black-market activity.