Chandigarh, March 12 (UNI) The escalating geopolitical tensions between the United States, Israel, and Iran have triggered a severe energy crisis in Haryana, leading to widespread disruptions in LPG distribution and the emergence of a rampant black market.
While commercial gas supplies have been effectively suspended, domestic delivery cycles have been hit hard, with consumers reporting wait times exceeding 10 days. The scarcity has led to exorbitant pricing in the underground market, with domestic cylinders reportedly selling for up to ₹1,500 in Gurugram, while commercial units are fetching between ₹3,000 and ₹4,000.
The crisis has led to chaotic scenes at distribution centers across the state. In Hisar, an agency operator reportedly fled and locked the premises after being overwhelmed by an agitated crowd. Similarly, in Sirsa and other districts, police personnel have been deployed to manage long queues and maintain order. The impact has reached religious institutions as well; the management of the Mansa Devi Temple in Panchkula announced that starting Friday, they will stop serving rotis in the daily 'langar' (community kitchen) for 25,000 devotees, shifting instead to a menu of pulses and rice due to the fuel shortage.
In a bid to manage the dwindling stocks, the government has revised booking regulations, mandating a 25-day gap between subsequent refills for domestic users. The industrial and hospitality sectors are facing a significant slump, particularly in Murthal, Haryana's prominent food hub. The Gas Authority of India Ltd (GAIL) has slashed piped natural gas (PNG) supplies to Murthal’s dhabas by 20%. Manjeet Singh, President of the Murthal Dhaba Association, noted that while major establishments like Amrik-Sukhdev and Gulshan are currently absorbing the impact without raising food prices, a prolonged shortage could threaten the livelihoods of nearly 10,000 workers tied to over 100 eateries in the region.
Chief Minister Nayab Saini has issued a stern warning against hoarding and has authorized Deputy Commissioners to take strict action under the Essential Commodities Act and LPG Regulation Act. To assist the public, the state government has appointed a nodal officer and launched a toll-free helpline (18001802087), although many consumers have complained that the number remained unreachable on Thursday. Task forces have been established in most districts to monitor distribution and curb illegal trade, as the administration struggles to balance the limited supply against surging domestic demand.
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