Chaos erupted at gas agencies across Delhi today as households scrambled to book LPG cylinders ahead of the government's new 25-day gap rule between refills. Introduced to curb hoarding amid escalating West Asia tensions, the policy has backfired, sparking widespread panic buying just days after its rollout.

The petroleum ministry extended the booking interval from 21 to 25 days to ensure equitable distribution and prevent black marketing, especially with supply disruptions from Iran-Israel conflicts hitting energy imports. At busy spots like Janata Market near Jhandewalan, workers at Atul Enterprises and Dhruv Gas Service reported heated arguments, with customers demanding early slips despite system locks. No outright shortages have been confirmed, but digital glitches are delaying bookings for those who refilled recently.

For average Delhi families relying on LPG for daily cooking, the extended wait means tighter rationing or risky alternatives like electric options during frequent outages. Authorities invoked the Essential Commodities Act to prioritize domestic needs, yet parallel fears of price hikes echo past crises—remember how cylinders spiked 25% on the black market during 2022 fuel squeezes? Officials maintain stocks are ample, with refineries boosting output.

This comes as Middle East unrest threatens broader fuel ripples, though petrol and diesel prices remain stable for now. The rule aims to stabilize supply chains, but early signs point to public distrust fueling the frenzy. Residents are urged to use official apps for bookings and avoid rushes—updates from distributors promise resolutions soon.