Panic has gripped consumers in Itanagar as hundreds flocked to LPG agencies this morning, fearing a major cooking gas crisis. Despite long queues and reports of roadside eateries shutting down, the district administration maintains that the supply remains stable and is urging the public to refrain from panic buying. The scenes outside major agencies like Donyi Polo Gas in Gohpur and Marina Gas in Itanagar were of growing frustration. Consumers, some of whom had been waiting since the early hours, claimed that home delivery services have stalled, forcing them to collect refills in person. One consumer noted that without securing a cylinder today, her family would be left without a means to cook tonight.
The reported scarcity has already begun to ripple through the local economy. Several hotels and restaurants are struggling to maintain operations, with some smaller eateries reportedly stopping sales due to the difficulty in sourcing commercial gas.
However, Itanagar District Food and Civil Supplies Officer (DFCSO) Honi Bayang has downplayed the severity of the situation. He stated that the administration is in constant contact with oil marketing companies to ensure regular consignments based on actual bookings.
According to the administration, the current friction is largely due to a transition in how cylinders are issued. Following a government advisory on March 13, the process now strictly requires online booking and authentication through a Delivery Authorization Code, or DAC. Previously, many consumers were accustomed to receiving refills without formal bookings, a practice that is no longer permitted. Regarding commercial cylinders, priority is currently being given to hospitals and educational institutes, with plans to regularize supply to hotels and private businesses based on government capping percentages. The district administration emphasizes that there is no actual shortage of gas, but rather a shift toward a more regulated distribution system. Consumers are encouraged to use official online platforms to book their refills and wait for their DAC to ensure a smooth delivery process.
