Thiruvananthapuram, March 13 (NationPress) Despite the Central Government's consistent claims that there is no LPG shortage in India amidst the escalating crisis in West Asia, residents of Kerala are experiencing significant anxiety regarding the availability of cooking gas.

Rather than engaging in social media, many individuals are fixated on their phones, attempting to contact local gas dealers to inquire about LPG supplies.

Gas dealers, overwhelmed by the volume of calls, have started to ignore them. Customers often hear only busy signals or find the phones turned off.

Within households, workplaces, and eateries, the predominant inquiry has become: “Were you able to connect with the gas agency?”

This urgency highlights the mounting concern over the rumored LPG shortage affecting the state.

What began as isolated complaints about delayed deliveries has morphed into a widespread daily practice of dialing gas dealers and checking booking statuses out of sheer anxiety.

In neighborhoods, discussions that once centered on politics or entertainment have shifted to updates on gas cylinder availability.

One family proudly shares that they managed to secure a refill after numerous attempts, while another offers “insider tips” suggesting that deliveries might resume shortly.

Consequently, the gas cylinder has emerged as Kerala’s most hotly debated item.

Restaurants and small cafes are among those hit hardest, with estimates indicating that approximately 5,000 establishments in key cities have temporarily ceased operations due to the supply shortage.

For many households, the primary concern revolves around how much longer their current gas supply will last.

The situation has even inspired some dark humor.

Social media users joke that contacting a gas agency is now more challenging than reaching a celebrity.

Others remark that the “most frequently called number in Kerala” this week is not a friend or colleague, but rather the local LPG dealer.

On Friday, a State Minister, visiting his favorite tea stall in the state capital, found it closed, but his staff managed to procure tea from another shop.

The state government has taken steps, including prioritizing gas supply for hospitals and schools, while also urging the Centre to boost the allocation of non-domestic cylinders.

Authorities have cautioned against panic booking, indicating that misinformation has exacerbated the surge in demand.

However, the reality remains straightforward: until the gas cylinder is delivered, the calls will persist.

In Kerala's kitchens this week, the most pressing concern is no longer what to prepare, but whether there will be gas available to cook it.