West Asia Conflict Ripples Reach Kolkata: Cooking Gas Supply Tightens, Booking Rules Stiffen
The escalating conflict in West Asia is now directly impacting daily life in Kolkata, with households facing tightened availability of cooking gas and stricter booking regulations for domestic LPG cylinders. In response to supply chain disruptions linked to the regional tensions, oil companies have implemented new measures that are causing concern among consumers.
Extended Lock-In Period and eKYC Prioritization
Across all major LPG brands in Kolkata, the lock-in period for domestic cylinder bookings has been uniformly increased from 21 days to 25 days. Previously, only HP Gas distributors enforced a 25-day waiting period, while others allowed bookings after 21 days. This change, effective from Sunday, aims to ensure balanced supply distribution and prevent panic-induced bulk bookings.
Officials emphasize that eKYC-compliant customers are receiving priority delivery. "Supply remains at 100% for eKYC-compliant customers who have obtained delivery codes," stated an official involved with LPG distribution in the city. "These deliveries are being prioritized to safeguard genuine consumers from hardship."
Distributor Instructions and Consumer Challenges
Sukomal Sen, Senior Vice President (Eastern Region) of the All India Bharat Gas Distributors Association, confirmed that oil companies have directed distributors to heighten vigilance regarding eKYC compliance. "Approximately 80% of our customers have completed eKYC. For the remaining cases, issues like address changes or unupdated names after a customer's demise are common. Naturally, compliant customers will receive preference," Sen explained.
He added that for beneficiaries of the Ujjwala scheme, cylinder delivery is strictly prohibited without eKYC completion. Despite official assurances of no immediate shortage, many customers rushed to distributor offices on Sunday after encountering difficulties with phone booking services, including missed calls and IVRS systems.
Communication Gap and Panic Bookings
Since Friday, numerous consumers reported hearing automated messages such as "Number does not exist" when attempting to book cylinders. With no public announcement from the government or administration about the rule changes, confusion spread rapidly. By Sunday morning, anxious residents formed long queues outside gas agencies.
"Many feared gas might become unavailable later, prompting immediate booking attempts," noted a distributor from Chetla. Customers in line criticized the lack of transparent communication, noting that policy decisions often reach only oil companies and distributors, leaving consumers uninformed.
Ramzan Season and Supply Statistics
The situation is particularly strained during Ramzan, when household cooking needs typically increase. Elderly consumers, who are less familiar with mobile apps or online booking systems, are struggling disproportionately. Distributors highlight that Indane's Kolkata area office alone serves around 4.8 million customers, with normal daily bookings averaging 1 lakh cylinders.
However, in the past 24 hours, bookings surged to over 1.9 lakh cylinders. Despite this rush, distributors maintain that supplies remain stable. Bijon Bihari Biswas, spokesperson for the LPG Distributors Federation, urged consumers to avoid panic. "We advise all consumers to complete eKYC and utilize the Delivery Authentication Code generated during booking for transparent and efficient delivery," Biswas recommended.
