An alleged black-marketing network involving cooking gas cylinders has been exposed in Bhopal amid growing concerns over LPG supply disruptions linked to the ongoing conflict involving Iran. As residents queue up for hours under intense summer heat to obtain cooking gas cylinders, an on-ground investigation has uncovered a parallel market operating within residential neighbourhoods. The situation has triggered concerns among authorities and consumers, with reports suggesting that the shortage has created opportunities for illegal operators to exploit desperate households.

A sting operation conducted in the Ashoka Garden area of Bhopal revealed that some stove repair shops were allegedly involved in illegal LPG refilling and black-market sales. During the investigation, individuals posing as customers approached shop owners asking if cooking gas cylinders were available. One shopkeeper reportedly said that official supplies had collapsed and offered a cylinder at a significantly higher price than the regulated rate, citing supply disruptions and ongoing global tensions as the reason for the shortage.

The conversation also indicated that some operators were illegally refilling smaller domestic cylinders inside residential premises, a practice that violates safety regulations and poses serious fire and explosion risks. In one instance, a shop owner reportedly offered to refill a small cylinder for a fee while probing the identity of the customer, raising suspicion about the informal and secretive nature of the operation. Such activities highlight the safety hazards associated with unauthorised LPG handling and storage.

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Another shop visited during the investigation reportedly received frequent phone calls from customers seeking cooking gas, indicating strong demand amid the shortage. During one call, the shop owner allegedly told a customer that cylinders had not been available for several days and quoted a price well above the official rate. When questioned about the high price, the shopkeeper reportedly said the scarcity in the market meant customers would have to pay more if they wanted immediate supply.

The LPG shortage has also affected businesses across the region. Hotels, restaurants and catering services have reported difficulty obtaining commercial cylinders in recent days, forcing some establishments to suspend operations and cancel catering orders for weddings and other events. Industry representatives said the supply of domestic LPG continues but under stricter booking rules, including limits on how frequently consumers can place orders.

Amid rising concerns, the Madhya Pradesh government has formed a cabinet-level committee to monitor the impact of the global conflict on fuel and LPG supply in the state. The panel includes senior ministers and will assess supply conditions and take corrective measures if necessary. Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav has urged residents not to panic, stating that the state has adequate reserves of essential fuels, though reports from the ground suggest that shortages and black-market activity continue to affect consumers in parts of the city.

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