LPG Distributors in Chandigarh Raise Alarm Over Price Surge and Booking Delays
The Federation of LPG Distributors of Punjab has voiced significant concerns regarding what it describes as a growing disconnect between official assurances and the actual ground reality in Chandigarh. During a press conference held at the Chandigarh Press Club on Tuesday, federation president Gurpal Singh Mann highlighted issues that are fueling panic among consumers and distributors alike.
Sudden Price Hikes Spark Consumer Anxiety
Gurpal Singh Mann pointed to a sharp increase in LPG prices, with domestic cylinders rising by Rs 60 and commercial 19-kg cylinders by Rs 115. He emphasized that this sudden hike was implemented without adequate groundwork or communication, leading to widespread panic over potential shortages. "The lack of transparency and timely information has only exacerbated the confusion," Mann stated, noting that subsequent measures have failed to alleviate concerns.
Booking Delays and Server Crashes Worsen Situation
Compounding the issue, the booking time for LPG cylinders has been extended to 25 days, a move that distributors find difficult to justify given official claims of sufficient supply. "If there is no shortage, as officially stated, such restrictions are hard to understand," Mann remarked. Additionally, the crash of booking channel servers has further disrupted operations, while supply from bottling plants remains insufficient to meet existing demand, creating mounting backlogs.
Supply-Chain Inefficiencies and Lack of Transparency
The federation flagged several inefficiencies in the supply chain, including bottling plants operating below capacity during peak demand periods. Distributors are not receiving timely or clear information about supply schedules or policy decisions, making it challenging to address public inquiries. "This mismatch erodes public trust and highlights a significant gap between government promises and reality," Mann added. He also criticized policy decisions such as restrictive booking and system suspensions, which he said are fueling panic rather than controlling it, reminiscent of scarcity perceptions during the Covid period.
Allegations of Business Strategy by Private Companies
Taking the issue further, Mann alleged that private PNG companies are exploiting the public panic as a business strategy. "As the government increased LPG prices, one major player reduced its prices," he claimed, suggesting that this move capitalizes on the confusion to gain market advantage.
Calls for Immediate Action
In response to these challenges, the federation has urged authorities to take several corrective measures:
- Improve communication and transparency regarding policy decisions and supply schedules.
- Ease booking restrictions to reduce delays and backlogs.
- Increase supply from bottling plants and ensure they operate at full capacity.
- Enhance coordination between stakeholders to prevent server crashes and other technical issues.
Mann maintained that the federation's system is fully transparent and OTP-based, ruling out concerns about black-market activities, but stressed the need for better coordination to restore public confidence and ensure smooth LPG distribution in Chandigarh.
