Pune LPG Distributors Face Surge in Cancellations Amid Easing Panic Demand
LPG distributors in Pune are experiencing a significant rise in booking cancellations as panic-driven demand for cylinders subsides, with many consumers now declining deliveries due to the absence of an empty cylinder. This trend marks a shift from the earlier rush that had strained supply chains across the city.
Delivery Timelines Improve as Rush Reduces
According to a distributor, the situation has calmed down, leading to numerous cancellations. "People had booked in panic earlier, but now when we attempt delivery, they say they don't have an empty cylinder and thus cannot be given a new refill," he explained. He added that delivery timelines have significantly improved, with several agencies now supplying cylinders within 48 hours, except for some isolated city pockets. "We are delivering within the deadline. There is no rush now," he stated, highlighting the return to normalcy in operations.
Data Reveals High Cancellation Rates and Reasons
Data from distributors indicates that a substantial portion of scheduled deliveries are being cancelled. "Out of the total orders, almost 30% are cancelled the next day. The main reasons are 'no empty cylinder' and 'out of town'," the distributor said. Of these cancellations, a bulk are attributed to consumers not having an empty cylinder, which points to earlier panic bookings, while the rest are due to people travelling during the ongoing school holiday season. Distributors noted that these premature bookings have disrupted operational efficiency.
On-Ground Observations Confirm Easing Trend
Parvati Shetty, a resident of Vimannagar, shared that the on-ground situation reflects this easing trend. "We are getting a refill now after 25 days. The rush seems to be reducing at agencies as well. On Friday, I visited the agency for KYC enquiry and found that there were no queues," she reported, indicating a return to smoother service access.
Federation Highlights Impact on Service Efficiency
Pravin Khandalkar, director of the All India LPG Distributors Federation in Maharashtra, confirmed a clear easing of demand, with fewer people visiting agencies and a noticeable drop in rush. "There is no rush now, the crowd has reduced significantly. Along with that, a large number of cancellations are also happening," he said. He explained that many cancellations stem from panic bookings made earlier, with consumers now declining deliveries. "People booked cylinders in panic. But when the delivery boy reaches, they do not have an empty cylinder or are not available at home," he added.
Khandalkar emphasized that such failed delivery attempts are affecting overall service efficiency. "When cylinders return undelivered, it delays other genuine orders as well," he pointed out, noting the cascading impact on supply timelines. He also highlighted procedural challenges, stating that cancellations are not immediate. "An order cannot be cancelled immediately. It requires an OTP from the customer. In many cases, customers do not provide it, and cancellation happens only after multiple delivery attempts," he said, explaining that this leads to repeated visits and inflated pending orders in the system.
Push for Compliance Measures to Streamline System
Another representative from the federation mentioned that distributors are advocating for compliance measures to streamline the system. "There is a gazetted notification by Govt of India that e-KYC should be completed. Once this is done, we will have a list of bona fide, regularised customers with registered connections," the representative said, suggesting that such steps could help mitigate future disruptions and improve service delivery.
