Cylinder shortage shuts factories, hits homes and small businesses
March 18, 2026: Jaipur is facing a severe LPG cylinder shortage, disrupting both industries and households. In the Sanganer industrial area, over 1,000 textile printing factories have halted operations due to the lack of commercial cylinders, with nearly 90% remaining shut. The crisis has led to heavy financial losses and left workers without wages, prompting factory owners to warn of sending labourers back to their villages if supplies are not restored soon.
The shortage has also deeply affected daily life for residents, who are waiting up to 15 days for cylinders despite official claims of normal supply. Many households have been forced to switch to alternatives like wood-fired stoves or induction cookers. Restaurants and small eateries are also struggling, with some turning to diesel or firewood, while smaller businesses find it difficult to cope with rising costs and operational challenges.
Experts link the crisis to ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, which have disrupted crude oil and LPG imports. While local authorities and gas agencies are trying to manage the situation, demand continues to far exceed supply, leaving Jaipur grappling with an escalating energy crisis.