Consumers of Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL) cooking gas cylinders across several northern states are grappling with severe supply disruptions, with waiting periods stretching to ten days or more for a commodity that typically arrives within a day or two.
Root Cause: Bathinda Refinery Shutdown During Peak Demand
The core reason for this significant shortfall is the temporary closure of the Guru Gobind Singh Refinery in Bathinda for essential repairs. This facility is a major supplier for the region. Consequently, HPCL has had to reroute its supply chain, sourcing cylinders from Kandla, which is located at a considerable distance.
Compounding the problem is the timing. The refinery shutdown has coincided with the peak season for LPG demand, amplifying the gap between what is needed and what is available. This logistical challenge has created a bottleneck that distributors and consumers are now feeling acutely.
Mounting Public Pressure and Official Response
The supply issues began to manifest over a fortnight ago, gradually worsening in recent days. As delays increased, so did public frustration. Distributors have been facing relentless pressure from anxious consumers unable to get their cylinders refilled on time.
The situation has escalated to the point where local administration officials have started receiving formal complaints. In Hoshiarpur, District Food and Supplies Controller Preet Kamal Singh Sood has called for a meeting with HPCL dealers and company officials to address the crisis.
Company Assurance: Normalcy Expected Soon
When contacted, HPCL Chief Regional Manager Abhishek Srivastava acknowledged the increased waiting period, attributing it directly to the supply shift from Kandla. He provided a crucial timeline for resolution, stating that efforts have already reduced the lag and that the situation is expected to return to normal shortly.
"We have already managed to bring down the time lag, and the situation will be restored to normal within a few days as the Bathinda refinery will resume operations from December 19," Srivastava claimed. This date offers a clear endpoint for consumers enduring the shortage.
The affected regions include a wide swath of Punjab, parts of Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu and Kashmir. For countless households dependent on HPCL for their daily cooking fuel, the next few days will be a test of patience as they await the promised restoration of regular supply.
