LPG Crisis In India: Govt Urges Consumers To Book Online, Avoid Panic Buying

New Delhi: The impact of the ongoing conflict in West Asia now seems to be reaching India's kitchen. There is an imbalance between the demand and supply of LPG in many cities of the country, due to which complaints of shortage, delay and black marketing have started coming to the fore. Oil companies are keeping an eye on the situation, while the administration is also giving signals of strictness. The central government urges consumers to book LPG cylinders online and avoid panic buying.

Is the government taking steps to handle the situation?

The government and oil companies are making continuous efforts to balance the supply. New booking numbers have been issued and the delivery system is being strengthened. OTP based delivery and strict monitoring have also been introduced at some places. 

According to the issued notice, now customers can use the newly launched Interactive Voice Response System (IVRS) number 8391990070 and missed call number 8927225667 to book LPG cylinders. Both these features will work along with the already existing booking options. Customers can also continue booking through other modes like before, such as SMS (7718955555), missed call service (8927225667), WhatsApp (7588888824), the IndianOil ONE mobile app, official portal (cx.indianoil.in) and third party platforms like PhonePe and Paytm.

Has the sale of auto LPG in Kolkata raised concerns?

There has been a sudden jump of five times in the sales of auto LPG in Kolkata in the last 10 days. Whereas earlier the average daily sale was around 10 tonnes, now this figure has reached 45-47 tonnes. Oil companies suspect that auto LPG is being misused due to a shortage in the commercial sector.

Has the supply problem increased due to the government's decision?

Recently, the government had banned new LPG bookings for nonessential commercial sectors so that primary needs could be met. But after this decision, many small businesses are facing a shortage of gas, due to which alternative ways are being sought.

Is the situation different in cities?

In Vadodara, the administration has started strictness on having dual connection i.e. having both PNG and LPG. About 69 thousand inactive connections are being investigated. Whereas in Patna, due to festivals and fear, bookings increased four times, which created pressure on supply.

Have there been cases of black marketing and illegal storage?

396 LPG cylinders have been recovered from a warehouse in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Maharashtra. Officials suspect that these were deposited for black marketing during the gas crisis. Legal action has also been initiated in this matter.

Have small businessmen been affected the most?

Street food vendors in cities like Vadodara have been most affected. Many shops had to be closed due to non-availability of gas, while some people are making do with wood or other means. This has had a direct impact on their livelihood.

Is cyber fraud also increasing?

Rajasthan Police have warned that cyber thugs have become active in the name of gas shortage. People are being cheated of banking information and money through fake websites, fake calls and messages. People have been appealed to use only official channels.

Could the situation become more serious in future?

Experts believe that if the international situation does not improve soon, there may remain pressure on the availability of LPG. In such a situation, both an increase in prices and an interruption in supply can affect the common people.