New Delhi, March 12 -- A cooking gas shortage triggered by the ongoing West Asia conflict has led to widespread panic buying and the emergence of a thriving black market for LPG cylinders across Delhi, with domestic cylinders being sold for as high as Rs.2,000- Rs.2,500 and commercial cylinders nearing Rs.3,000 in several parts of the Capital - nearly double the official rates.

Officially, a 14.2-kg domestic LPG cylinder in Delhi costs Rs.913, while a 19-kg commercial cylinder costs Rs.1,883. But city residents HT spoke to Wednesday said they are either paying exorbitant prices in the black market or struggling to find cylinders altogether.

With supply disruptions continuing and panic buying showing no signs of slowing, many fear the cr...