Hyderabad Consumers Struggle with Extended LPG Cylinder Delivery Delays
Residents across Hyderabad are experiencing growing anxiety as deliveries of 14.2 kg LPG cylinders face significant delays, with numerous bookings pending for more than a week and no clear indication of when the next supply will arrive. The situation has created widespread frustration among households dependent on these cylinders for daily cooking needs.
Customer Service Systems Overwhelmed and Unresponsive
Several consumers reported that customer care helplines are either completely unresponsive or extremely difficult to reach, compounding their distress. The online booking systems and mobile applications operated by oil marketing companies are displaying delayed delivery schedules, often without providing any definite timeline for when cylinders might actually be delivered to homes.
Households that rely on missed call services and the interactive voice response system (IVRS) to place refill requests are encountering additional problems. These automated systems have become overburdened due to a sudden surge in booking attempts, leading to frequent failures and incomplete transactions.
New Booking Regulations Exacerbate Existing Problems
The delivery crisis has been further aggravated by recent changes in booking regulations implemented by oil companies. Previously, consumers were permitted to book a refill 21 days after the delivery of their previous cylinder. However, this mandatory waiting period has reportedly been extended to 25 days, adding another layer of concern for families trying to manage their fuel supplies.
"We booked the cylinder nearly a week ago, but there has been no update on delivery," said BT Srinivas, general secretary of the United Federation of RWAs. "However, every day I receive a message saying the cylinder is out for delivery. Usually, when I book a cylinder, it is delivered the next day. Now, it has been almost a week and we're still waiting. The uncertainty is worrying."
Delivery Personnel Cancelling Bookings Over OTP Delays
Some residents have alleged that delivery personnel are cancelling bookings if the OTP confirmation is delayed even slightly. K Venkatesh, a resident of Shaikpet, shared his experience: "Three days ago the delivery boy came to my address and asked for the OTP, but I had not received it yet. When the OTP arrived five minutes later, he said he had already cancelled the order and asked me to book another cylinder. When I try to book through the app, it keeps crashing."
Authorities Urge Public Not to Panic or Hoard Cylinders
In response to the growing crisis, D Ashok Kumar, president of the Greater Hyderabad Gas Distributors Association, issued a statement: "We urge the public not to panic or hoard cylinders. Efforts are on to stabilise supply and clear the backlog soon." The association is working with oil marketing companies to address the supply chain disruptions and streamline the delivery process.
The combination of overwhelmed booking systems, extended waiting periods, and delivery personnel challenges has created a perfect storm for Hyderabad's LPG consumers. Many families are now forced to explore alternative cooking arrangements while waiting for their cylinder deliveries, with no clear resolution timeline in sight.
