The smell, which in some areas slightly resembles cheese and onion crisps, has been reported in Bishop’s Waltham and Swanmore, among other places.
Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service put out a message overnight to say: ‘We're aware that some people across the Meon Valley area are reporting a strong smell of gas in the air tonight.
‘If you are concerned please contact the National Gas Emergency number on 0800 111 999.’