Pune Residents Grapple with LPG Cylinder Shortage as Delivery Delays Extend to Four Days
Domestic consumers of liquified petroleum gas (LPG) in Pune are experiencing significant delays in cylinder deliveries, with waiting times now stretching to three or four days in many areas. This marks a stark contrast to the almost immediate supply that was previously available.
Supply Restrictions and Panic Booking Intensify Crisis
The delays come as oil marketing companies (OMCs) tighten dispatch protocols to curb hoarding and blackmarketing of LPG. Bookings have surged dramatically over the past 48 hours, exacerbating the situation against a backdrop of geopolitical unrest in West Asia.
Pravin Khandalkar, a city-based LPG distributor and secretary of the All India LPG Distributors Federation, explained that companies are now releasing cylinders strictly according to daily quotas. "Earlier, we could lift extra loads if needed, but now I only get my daily quota. Commercial supply has halted entirely, with priority given to domestic customers," he said.
Khandalkar attributed the controlled supply to efforts aimed at preventing diversion and illegal resale. "Supply regulation ensures cylinders aren't diverted. Some customers used to take multiple cylinders monthly for resale, and these restrictions are meant to control such practices," he added.
Consumer Struggles and Rising Prices
Panic booking by consumers, fueled by reports of shortages, has placed immense pressure on the distribution system. This has led to long queues at agencies and further delays in home deliveries. "People are booking cylinders even when not needed immediately, causing server overloads and slower processing," Khandalkar noted.
Booking servers are struggling under heavy loads, frequently going down and hampering document generation, transfers, and entries. As a result, deliveries are prolonged, with waiting periods now reaching three to four days.
Despite a BPCL distributor claiming ample domestic cylinder supply and urging against panic, consumers report price hikes. Pooja Yatnur from Vimannagar paid Rs 1,800 for a domestic cylinder, up from Rs 1,300, due to booking difficulties. "The booking line was closed, and agencies were shut, forcing me to pay a premium," she said.
Parvati M faced similar issues, paying over Rs 2,000 for a cylinder after failing to book normally. Social media is flooded with complaints, with one user stating, "Paid Rs 2200 for a gas cylinder in Pune," highlighting economic strains.
Shift to Alternative Cooking Methods
Binod P from Vimannagar booked a cylinder a week ago but hasn't received it, with agencies unresponsive. "The shortage is pushing families to induction stoves, but these aren't viable for large-scale cooking," he said, noting that induction stove stocks are dwindling online.
Residents also report challenges with alternative options due to frequent power cuts in Pune, making induction cooking unreliable. The crisis is particularly severe for establishments requiring bulk cooking, where LPG remains essential.
In summary, Pune's LPG shortage, driven by supply controls and panic buying, is causing delivery delays, price surges, and a shift to less efficient cooking alternatives, impacting daily life across the city.
