Pune LPG Supply Crisis Intensifies Amid Technical Breakdowns
The ongoing LPG supply disruption in Pune has taken a severe turn, with critical technical failures in booking systems exacerbating the situation. Interactive Voice Response System (IVRS) lines have collapsed, one-time password (OTP) confirmations are experiencing significant delays, and long queues are forming outside gas agencies across the city.
Chaos at Gas Agencies as Automated Systems Fail
Distributors described Thursday as one of the most chaotic days since the crisis began. A city-based distributor revealed that agencies were inundated with customers after automated booking systems ceased to function. "It was a battlefield for all distributors across Pune. We have received the highest number of bookings, but the IVRS and missed-call booking systems collapsed as the load increased manifold," he stated.
According to distributors, customers are unable to place bookings through the usual phone-based system and are instead rushing to agencies in person. "Earlier, the system could handle around 10,000 calls a day. Now, it is taking nearly one lakh calls. The lines keep resetting every hour, so customers cannot get through. Hundreds of people are standing outside agencies trying to book cylinders," the distributor explained.
OTP Delays and Delivery Confirmations Stalled
The crisis has been further aggravated by the mandatory OTP-based delivery confirmation system, which is taking unusually long due to heavy server loads. Distributors emphasized that they cannot hand over cylinders without the OTP, even when customers are physically present.
"The OTP is generated only after booking and scheduling. Because of the rush, the OTP is taking 15 minutes to one hour to reach the customer. People are not ready to wait, and we cannot confirm delivery without OTP, so the entire process gets stuck," the distributor said.
He added that agencies are now forced to make follow-up calls to customers just to complete delivery confirmations. "Without an OTP, we have to send mails to the company and take special approval, which delays further supply," he noted.
Tensions Rise as Customers Face Frustration
Anger and hostility have spilled over on the ground, with delivery staff facing aggression from customers unable to book cylinders. "When a cylinder vehicle enters a society, people surround it, saying their own booking has not been successful. My delivery boys were even slapped in one area as we could not give cylinders without a booking. There is a lot of anger among customers," the distributor reported.
Long queues were observed at agency outlets since early Thursday morning. "We are seeing panic booking. Normally, my agency gets 500-700 bookings a day, but on Wednesday we got over 1,700 bookings in 24 hours. When demand suddenly doubles, it becomes difficult to justify supply to the company. It is creating an artificial shortage as people are booking out of fear," another distributor highlighted.
Hospitals Impacted Despite Official Exemptions
While hospitals have officially been exempted from supply curbs, at least two major medical facilities in Pune confirmed receiving only partial deliveries on Thursday. A representative from a city-based hospital disclosed that they have been getting only about half the required stock in the last two days.
"We place orders every day, but since Wednesday, we have been getting only about half the supply. We are managing for now, but if this continues, we may have to shift some cooking to induction or other alternatives," the hospital representative said, adding that the shortage has not yet affected patients' meals.
Another major hospital in the city faced a similar situation on Thursday. A representative stated, "We received only 50% of our daily requirement of nearly four to five cylinders on Thursday. From Friday, the supply is expected to ease, the agency has promised."
Authorities Respond with Vigilance and Appeals
District collector Jitendra Dudi announced that separate vigilance teams have been appointed at the district and city levels. He warned of strict action against those involved in hoarding and blackmarketing of LPG cylinders. "Our teams are conducting checks across the city and district against any kind of blackmarketing complaints. A detailed report has been sought and appropriate measures are being taken," he affirmed.
City mayor Manjusha Nagpure reviewed LPG distribution in Pune on Thursday and appealed to residents not to believe in rumors. Nagpure asserted that an adequate stock of LPG cylinders is available but instructed the civic administration to take strict action against hoarding and blackmarketing. The mayor also discussed availability and distribution of cylinders with the district administration's supply department.
