900 for 4kg refill: Mini cylinders vanish from local markets, supply crisis hits biz
Times of India | 27 March 2026
Kolkata: Several years ago, a mini cylinder in the local markets could be refilled in the local markets for Rs 50. The cost of refilling has now increased to Rs 900 in some areas after the war broke out in West Asia.
Such is the situation now that these cylinders with a capacity of 4 kilograms are barely available in the markets at several areas in the city. This comes at a time when gas supply is yet to get normalized.
These mini cylinders had been in demand among daily workers, students or others staying at rented places. They use it for cooking as often these are attached to burners. Until the war started, the cost of refiling was Rs 430.
A Chandni Chowk shopkeeper, who had been renting cylinders since 1978, shared how the market changed over the years. "Workers from other states work in wholesale markets of Chandni Chowk, Burrabazar and Sealdah. As they may not be able to afford eating outside everyday, they turned to these to cook basic meals," he said.
These workers became his customers. Shops selling such cylinders or refilling those came up in and around the market. No wonder, the market acquired the name ‘cylinder patti'. The business of mini cylinders has taken a hit amid the ongoing crisis. "People want to buy these cylinders. But what's the point? There is shortage of gas. There's barely any stock available," another seller said.
A daily wage earner from Canning, who works in the city, said refilling of mini cylinders is being done in some areas for Rs 900.
Unable to afford the cost of refilling, the worker started eating at an eatery twice a day. It appeared cheaper to him rather than investing in refilling and then cooking.
The worker was even apprehensive that he might have to return to his native place if he fails to support his living. He also added that the dealers involved in black marketing are asking to leave the cylinders with them. He claimed that the dealers are assuring that they would provide the cylinders once they receive the supply.
In such scenarios, the suppliers are having to return their customers. The stocks got exhausted about 20 days back. They are advising their customers to make alternative arrangements and take up some other cooking methods.