Patna: Booking of commercial LPG cylinders has been suspended for two days in Bihar amid concerns over supply disruptions linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
The suspension has begun to affect hotels and restaurants across several districts, which rely heavily on commercial gas cylinders for daily operations.
At the same time, long queues have been reported outside domestic gas agencies in parts of the state, as residents rushed to secure cylinders amid fears of shortages.
In districts such as Gopalganj, Khagaria, Aurangabad and Patna, people began gathering outside gas agencies early in the morning for the second consecutive day. At one HP gas agency on Jagdev Path in Patna, residents reported finding the office locked.
Similar reports emerged from Darbhanga, where a gas warehouse was also found closed. In contrast, cylinders were distributed under police supervision in Mohania in Kaimur district to maintain order among waiting customers.
Authorities have urged calm and warned against panic buying.
The special branch of Bihar police has issued an alert to divisional commissioners, range inspectors general, deputy inspectors general, district magistrates and district police chiefs across the state.
In the alert letter, officials warned that the ongoing conflict in the Middle East could potentially disrupt the international supply of petroleum products, including LPG.
The communication noted that such disruptions could lead to increased crowds at gas agencies, vendors and petrol pumps across the state.
Officials also warned that panic buying could create law and order challenges and open the door for hoarding or black marketing by anti-social elements.
District administrations have been asked to remain vigilant and ensure proper security arrangements at gas agencies and fuel outlets. Authorities have also been instructed to take strict action against anyone found hoarding or illegally selling gas cylinders or petroleum products.
Officials said coordination between district administrations and the supply department will be maintained to monitor the situation.
Residents have also been urged to avoid spreading rumours and to rely on official information regarding fuel supplies.
Industry representatives say domestic LPG supply has not been suspended.
Shashi Kumar, an employee at a gas agency in Samastipur, said commercial cylinder bookings had been halted temporarily but domestic supplies remained unaffected.
“All domestic bookings are being honoured. The situation should normalise within five to seven days,” he said.
Sanjay Kumar, who operates a Bharat Gas agency in Madhepura, said many residents had rushed to secure cylinders due to fear of shortages.
“People have panicked. We are supplying domestic cylinders to all registered customers,” he said.
