Published Mar 11, 2026 | 4:37 PM ⚊ Updated Mar 11, 2026 | 4:37 PM
Commercial LPG shortage. (Representational/ iStock)
Synopsi: Gas distributors and officials from agencies associated with the three oil marketing companies – Indian Oil Corporation Limited, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited – told South First that the supply of commercial LPG cylinders has been temporarily halted.
More than three days into the LPG supply disruption in Bengaluru linked to the ongoing US–Israel war with Iran, gas distributors and agencies say their stocks of commercial cylinders have run dry.
Restaurants that have been facing a shortage of commercial LPG cylinders since Monday, 9 March, had earlier said that they only had enough supply left for another one or two days. While many had hoped the situation would ease soon, distributors say fresh supplies have completely stopped for now.
“We do not have any more stock of commercial gas. We keep getting frantic calls and inquiries by different commercial establishments but we have stopped supply for now,” an employee at Sriram Bharat Gas agency in Kengeri told South First.
On Tuesday, 10 March, several eateries across the city had decided to trim their menus – offering only limited items like coffee, tea – and reduce operational hours in a bid to deal with the crisis. Paying Guest (PG) accommodations too began taking precautionary measures – turning to induction stoves and instant food item preparation.
The Bengaluru Hotels Association had earlier warned that hotels and restaurants could be forced to shut down if the disruption persists.
Gas distributors and officials from agencies associated with the three oil marketing companies – Indian Oil Corporation Limited, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited – told South First that the supply of commercial LPG cylinders has been temporarily halted.
“We are currently supplying only domestic cylinders. We have been instructed that if there is limited supply of commercial cylinders, they should be prioritised for hospitals and educational institutions, and not for restaurants or other commercial establishments,” said Santhosh, an employee at a gas agency in Sahakarnagar.
Several distributors said they have been fielding constant calls from restaurants, caterers and bakeries looking for cylinders. “Our phones have not stopped ringing since Monday. Many people have weddings and events coming up, and they are now left scrambling without cylinders to make the necessary arrangements,” said a BP Gas distributor in Cubbonpete.
He said that people had made desperate requests, asking if they can arrange even one or two cylinders. “But we simply do not have stock,” he said.
Distributors said they have not been informed when normal supply will resume, making it difficult for them to reassure consumers. Shortages, they said, often create conditions for illegal resale of cylinders. When supply tightens, some consumers attempt to procure cylinders through unofficial channels at higher prices.
“We are hoping the issue will be resolved within the next two weeks. But we are already seeing consumers trying to purchase cylinders from the black market at higher prices,” said the employee at the Sriram Bharat Gas agency.
Gas agencies have also reported a surge in bookings for domestic cylinders from households amid concerns that supplies could run out.
“We are receiving more than 20 calls every hour asking whether domestic LPG is available. We keep assuring people that supply has not been affected, but many are still booking refills even when they have spare cylinders at home,” said a representative from an HP Gas agency.
Officials said bookings had doubled on Wednesday to over 900. Agency representatives said that while domestic LPG supply has not yet been disrupted, the surge in bookings could soon strain delivery schedules. Distributors typically plan deliveries based on predictable demand patterns, but the sudden spike in bookings has forced agencies to rearrange delivery routes and arrange for additional staff members.
To curb hoarding, the Union government had increased the minimum waiting period for booking an LPG refill from 21 days to 25 days. However, on 7 March, the price of non-subsidised domestic LPG cylinders was raised by ₹60. The price of commercial LPG was also hiked by ₹114.5 per 19-kg cylinder.
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Meanwhile, large suppliers such as BPCL and HPCL have begun issuing messages to consumers, reiterating that there was “adequate availability” of fuel despite “claims” circulating otherwise on social media.
“Dear valued customer, claims of a shortage in fuel supply circulating on social media are misleading and baseless. There is adequate availability of fuel in the country. Citizens are assured that there is no need for concern. Using fuel wisely always helps,” a message from HP read.
However, gas agency representatives say the assurances have done little to stop consumers from stockpiling cylinders.
(Edited by Sumavarsha)
