Panic buying over rumoured LPG shortage triggers long queues in Itanagar, Naharlagun

Rumours of a shortage of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) sparked panic buying across Arunachal Pradesh’s Itanagar and Naharlagun in  since the early hours of Tuesday, March 31, morning.

Residents began lining up as early as 2 a.m., with some reporting that queues had started forming around 1 a.m. despite heavy rainfall. The sudden surge in demand led to overcrowding at multiple LPG distribution centres across the twin capital towns.

The district administration, however, sought to allay fears, stating that there is no shortage of LPG or petrol in the state. Officials confirmed that several vehicles carrying hundreds of LPG cylinders are continuously reaching the capital and other districts, ensuring adequate supply.

Authorities attributed the situation to panic buying fuelled by rumours, adding that black market operators are attempting to exploit the situation. “There is sufficient stock available, and the supply chain remains uninterrupted,” an official said, urging residents not to indulge in panic purchases.

Despite these assurances, residents reported difficulties in accessing LPG. Many said they arrived at agencies in the early hours in an attempt to avoid crowds but still encountered long waiting lines due to the rush.

A woman, speaking to India Today, said she had been unable to cook for the past two days due to the unavailability of gas. She also pointed to recent changes in booking norms, stating that consumers can now book LPG only after 26 days, unlike earlier provisions that allowed a dual quota under a single connection.

The administration has appealed to the public to remain calm and refrain from hoarding, warning that strict action will be taken against black marketing and hoarding practices.