Even with the government assuring sufficient LPG reserves in India amidst the West Asia crisis, Kerala residents are gripped by panic regarding LPG availability. Consumers are struggling to reach local gas dealers due to overwhelming demand, leading to busy lines or switched-off phones. The situation has escalated from delayed deliveries to a daily routine of anxious calls to check booking status.
The anxiety over the alleged LPG shortage has transformed daily conversations in Kerala, with households, offices, and eateries all focused on gas cylinder updates. Nearly 5,000 hotels in major cities have temporarily closed due to the shortage, impacting both businesses and households. The state government has taken steps to prioritize gas supply to essential services like hospitals and schools, urging against panic booking to manage the surge in demand.
The scarcity of LPG has sparked dark humor on social media, with users comparing reaching a gas agency to contacting a celebrity. The state minister’s experience of finding his favorite tea stall closed highlights the widespread impact of the shortage. Despite government measures and warnings against panic booking, the pressing concern for Kerala residents remains the availability of gas for cooking.
