Pune's LPG Crisis: 2km Queues Under Blazing Sun as Households Scramble for Fuel
In Chakan, Pune, a staggering queue of people extends at least 2 kilometers under the intense Saturday sun. This isn't a line for free giveaways or celebrity autographs—it's a desperate wait to secure cooking gas to keep home fires burning. Hundreds are enduring a severe test of patience outside a gas distribution agency, all vying for the coveted red LPG cylinder.
Endless Wait for Essential Fuel
A significant number of individuals have been standing in line since late at night, driven by the urgent goal of obtaining household fuel before stocks deplete completely. While some fortunate ones return home smiling by early afternoon with a full cylinder, many others face prolonged uncertainty as the day wears on.
"I got lucky today," shares Anil Bokad, after nearly four hours of waiting. With his cylinder securely tied to his motorcycle, he slowly departs. In contrast, Suraj Chaudhari, another consumer, expresses mounting frustration: "I have been standing here since 8am. It's afternoon now. I don't think I shall get my refilled cylinder anytime soon," he remarks anxiously from within the lengthy queue.
Unexpected Opportunities Amid Crisis
The massive rush for gas bottles has inadvertently created business openings for local vendors. Avadut, who operates a roadside tea and water stall near the agency, reports starting his day around 2am on Saturday. "I have done a business of over Rs7,000 by selling tea and water. People standing in the queue need something to drink in this heat," he explains, highlighting how the crisis fuels small-scale commerce.
Threat to Livelihoods and Daily Life
For some, the fuel crisis isn't immediately pressing but looms as a future threat. Satyendra Yadav, a soft-toy seller on Pune–Nashik Road, estimates his current cylinder might last another week. "I cook my food at my roadside stall. But if this LPG crisis continues, I may have to start cooking on a woodfire. There is plenty of dry wood behind the nearby hillock," says Yadav, a Bihar native who has lived in Pune for four years.
The shortage poses a severe risk to small food vendors' livelihoods. Ashwini Davang, who runs a roadside Appam stall in Chikhali with her family, reveals how black market price surges are pushing her business to the edge. "For making Appams, we don't need a very high intensity flame. So, we use small refillable LPG cylinders. Earlier, we could get these refilled for around Rs550. Now, the spot refills have completely stopped and a refill costs around Rs2,700 in the black market," she details.
With one cylinder empty and another nearly so, Davang faces tough choices: "I cannot afford the black market price. It's not cost-effective. My family and I will have no option but to shut shop and sit at home if the situation continues like this."
Overnight Vigils and Distribution Challenges
Harlal Kumavat has been in the queue since 1:30am, though the agency only begins distributing cylinders after 8:30am. "Tomorrow is Sunday and the agency will be closed. I feel it should remain open considering the situation," he suggests, emphasizing the urgency.
Gas distributor Pradip Narwade notes efforts to accelerate the process: "We distributed over 100 cylinders in about 10 minutes at one point. Customers first receive a receipt after making the payment, which we collect once the refilled cylinder is handed over." Many, like Bharat Kokane, are queuing simply to collect cylinders after online bookings and payments. "I booked the cylinder and paid online on March 9. I was given today's date (March 14) to collect the cylinder. I have been in the queue since wee hours," he says, hoping supplies last until his turn arrives.
As a delivery boy passes by with a van of filled cylinders, offering a reassuring "All's well" to those in the serpentine line, the scene underscores a community grappling with a critical resource shortage, where everyday cooking depends on endurance and luck.
