Karnataka: Massive LPG Leak On National Highway Near Hubballi Triggers Safety Alert Amid Regional Shortage

Hubballi: A major gas leak was reported from a moving LPG tanker at Tambur Cross on Gooty–Ankola Road near Hubballi on Saturday, raising serious safety concerns.

The incident, which began yesterday on a National Highway near Kalghatgi, has led to the complete suspension of traffic on a main route, further complicating a tense situation regarding cooking gas availability in the region.

High-Risk Situation

According to reports, the leak was detected while the tanker was in transit. Emergency responders noted that the discharge has been continuous since Friday, creating a high-risk vapour cloud zone around the vehicle. 

Given the highly flammable nature of Liquefied Petroleum Gas, the Kalghatgi Police and Fire and Emergency Services personnel have cordoned off the area within a significant radius.

Authorities have restricted all public access and prohibited the use of mobile phones or any potential ignition sources in the vicinity. 

Strategic Traffic Diversion

To ensure commuter safety, the district administration has implemented the following traffic diversions.

Vehicles from Hubballi to Karwar have been diverted via the Hubballi–Dharwad–Haliyal–Yellapur route, and vehicles from Karwar to Hubballi have been rerouted through Yellapur–Mundgod–Bankapur to join NH-48.

Commuters are advised to avoid the Kalghatgi stretch until emergency teams at the site issue a green signal.

Shortage Concerns Intensify

Hubballi and the surrounding districts have been struggling with a persistent LPG shortage over the past week, driven by geopolitical tensions in West Asia that have disrupted commercial supply chains.

While the government has assured that domestic stocks remain stable, the loss of a massive quantity of gas from a single tanker has heightened public fear. 

Residents have expressed concerns that such incidents could further delay the retrieval of regional bottling plants.

Until the tanker is secured, the highway remains a restricted zone, with fire tenders on standby to neutralise any potential sparks.