LPG Booking: In light of the cooking gas shortage affecting various regions of the state, including the capital, the government has implemented significant changes to the domestic LPG cylinder distribution system. Indian Oil has temporarily suspended the OTP-based delivery method for technical reasons, enabling consumers to also book gas offline.
Despite the government’s assertion that the domestic gas supply is back to normal, the lack of commercial gas cylinders continues to create challenges for hotels, restaurants, street vendors, and small businesses. Larger hotels have turned to alternative solutions, such as induction stoves, heaters, coal, and charcoal.
Backlog of one week to 10 days
Customers flocked to gas agencies and warehouses early Thursday morning to pick up domestic cylinders. However, those who booked online and awaited delivery faced ongoing issues. The situation has resulted in many agencies experiencing a backlog of one week to 10 days.
Agency operators in Patel Nagar, Boring Canal Road, Raja Bazaar, Kankarbagh, and Rajendra Nagar reported that the supply of cylinders is falling short of demand. They noted that when the demand is for two or three 540 cylinders, only one 341 cylinder is being dispatched, leading to an increasing backlog of customers.
On Thursday, Development Commissioner Mihir Kumar Singh convened a review meeting with all District Magistrates and Superintendents of Police in the state, instructing them to take strict measures against black marketing, illegal storage, and unauthorized sales of domestic gas cylinders. He emphasized the need for ongoing monitoring of gas agencies, warehouses, and the distribution system, and called for immediate action if any irregularities are detected.
Consumers protested at many places
The unavailability of gas cylinders has also led to widespread consumer anger. In several areas of the capital, people protested outside gas agencies. In some places, consumers even clashed with vendors carrying gas cylinders. Police had to be called in after similar situations arose in Shivpuri, Patel Nagar, and surrounding areas. Several agency operators and vendors have also demanded security. Consumers say that despite booking cylinders several days in advance, they are still unable to receive them, making cooking difficult at home.
The administration gave strict instructions
During the review meeting, Additional Chief Secretary of the Home Department, Arvind Kumar Chaudhary, directed special monitoring campaigns in all districts. He also said that strict action should be taken to prevent commercial use of domestic gas cylinders.
Director General of Police Vinay Kumar has directed Superintendents of Police to monitor social media and take prompt action against those spreading rumours. They have also been asked to set up control rooms in all districts to address public complaints.