Pune Residents Endure Long Queues Amid LPG Cylinder Delivery Delays
Frustration is escalating among residents across Pune as significant delays in LPG cylinder deliveries have compelled people to line up outside gas agencies in a desperate bid to secure a refill. The uncertainty over supplies has forced many to take leave from work or temporarily shut their businesses, dedicating entire days to standing in queues with no guarantee of when their next cylinder will arrive.
Government Extends Booking Waiting Period to Curb Hoarding
In response to the crisis, the government has increased the minimum waiting period for booking a domestic LPG cylinder refill from 21 days to 25 days. This move is aimed at preventing hoarding and ensuring more equitable distribution of cooking gas. Bookings are typically made online, with filled cylinders delivered to households accordingly. However, the implementation has been uneven, leading to widespread panic and chaotic scenes at distribution centers.
Uneven Supply Triggers Panic and Business Disruptions
While some parts of Pune, such as NIBM Road and Aundh, have reported receiving cylinders within two to four days after booking, other areas are facing acute shortages. This disparity has triggered a rush to local gas agencies, where residents hope to secure a refill directly. Chetan Gaikwad, a home chef from Katraj, spent an entire day traveling across Pune in search of a cylinder. "I have been running from pillar to post to get a cylinder. Someone told me to go to Kharadi, so I did. Then I went to Deccan and now I have come to Fatimanagar, but had no luck yet," he lamented.
At a gas distribution centre in Rahatani, the scene turned chaotic on Friday afternoon. Dozens of residents arrived carrying empty LPG cylinders on two-wheelers, bicycles, in autorickshaws, and even private cars, hoping to get them refilled before stocks ran out. Under the blazing afternoon sun, 70-year-old Kanta Bai stood patiently in a slow-moving queue that had already stretched for several hours. "The line is moving very slowly. I have already been standing here for over four hours. I just hope that I will get my refilled cylinder before the stock finishes," she said, wiping sweat from her forehead.
Gas Agencies Struggle with Monitoring and Stock Shortages
The overwhelming rush forced gas agency staff to tighten monitoring of cylinder movements. A senior staff member at a centre revealed they were maintaining a strict register of delivery personnel collecting cylinders for home deliveries. "We are keeping a record of all agents who pick up cylinders from our centre so that they are not diverted elsewhere. With such a heavy rush, we have to ensure proper distribution," the staffer explained.
In another corner of Rahatani, a group of school students who had just emerged from classes sat on individual cylinders in a queue, while their parents waited inside the agency office. Many residents crowded the office counters, attempting to make payments and register their bookings, occasionally leading to heated arguments with agency staff.
Rupesh Sarwade, a painting contractor from Pimpri, stood beside his empty cylinder with his office bag slung over one shoulder, visibly frustrated. "I thought I would get the cylinder refilled quickly, but it has already been more than two-and-a-half hours. I don't think I will be done here anytime soon. My entire work schedule is disturbed, and I may suffer business losses because even my workers are busy arranging cylinders for their homes," he said.
Distributors Face Stock Shortages and Customer Backlash
Amit Goyal, owner of the Amit Gas Agency in Wadgaonsheri, highlighted the severity of the shortage, noting that distributors are struggling to meet bookings. "We deal in Reliance gas cylinders, but for the last three days, we have not received any refill stock. We have 15-20 bookings pending, but cannot fulfil them as we don't have any cylinders. Customers are calling every few minutes, but we are helpless," he stated.
Some Residents Report Smooth Access Amid the Crisis
Despite the widespread issues, not all residents are facing difficulties. Nachiket Patil, a resident of NIBM Road, shared a more positive experience. "I booked my LPG refill through the company's app last week, expecting a long delay because of all the news about shortages. Surprisingly, the cylinder was delivered within three days. The delivery boy said supply is irregular, but some areas are still getting cylinders as usual," he said.
Similarly, Meenakshi Kulkarni, a resident of Aundh, reported minimal trouble. "I was worried after hearing about people standing in queues, but my booking was completed in four days. I placed the request online and the cylinder arrived without much trouble. However, the delivery staff said the situation could change anytime," she added.
The LPG cylinder shortage in Pune underscores the challenges in fuel distribution, with residents caught between extended waiting periods and unpredictable supply chains. As queues lengthen and frustrations mount, the city awaits more stable solutions to ensure consistent access to essential cooking gas.
