BHANJANAGAR, March 31, 2026 (Report- Jaya Krishna Patnaik): The ongoing conflict in the Middle East is now casting a long shadow over Odisha. This international crisis has triggered a sharp rise in the prices of essential goods across the state. Specifically, the supply of crude oil and fuel gas has faced severe disruptions, leading to a major energy crunch in local markets. 
Bhanjanagar Gas Crisis: Black Market Rates Hike Food Prices


A Struggle for Daily Fuel

Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) is a vital part of daily life for thousands of households. However, residents are currently finding it nearly impossible to get cylinders on time. In the Ganjam district, particularly in Bhanjanagar, gas agencies are witnessing massive crowds. People travel from distant villages and wait from dawn until dusk, hoping to secure a refill.
Although stocks are reportedly available in warehouses, the delivery system has slowed down significantly. Customers often have to wait more than 15 days after booking to receive a single cylinder. Currently, agencies are prioritizing essential institutions like community kitchens (Aahar Kendras) and hostels, leaving the general public and small businesses in a difficult spot.

Impact on the Food Industry

The shortage of commercial gas cylinders has hit the local food industry the hardest. Many small hotels and eateries have been forced to shut down because they cannot find fuel. To keep their kitchens running, some hotel owners have switched back to traditional wood-fired stoves.
The scarcity has also given rise to a rampant black market. Reports suggest that some desperate traders are purchasing gas cylinders illegally at exorbitant prices, ranging from ₹2,500 to ₹3,000 per unit.

Rising Costs for Consumers

This fuel crisis has directly impacted the pockets of the common man. Because of the high cost of black-market gas and the difficulty of sourcing fuel, food prices have skyrocketed.
 * Sweets: Prices have increased by ₹40 to ₹60 per kilogram.
 * Meals and Snacks: Local restaurants have significantly hiked the prices of daily breakfasts and lunch plates.
Sweet shops are unable to meet the regular demand, leading to a shortage of popular local delicacies.

Public Demand for Action

The residents of Bhanjanagar are frustrated by the lack of oversight. They are calling on local authorities to take strict action against black marketers who are exploiting the crisis. As the community struggles with these rising costs, everyone is anxiously waiting for the international situation to stabilize. For now, the people of Ganjam continue to endure the heat of a global war through their kitchen budgets.