Lpg Shortage: Stretched wait for LPG cylinders sparks worry in Hyderabad; new regulations add to woes | Hyderabad News
HYDERABAD: Consumers are growing anxious as deliveries of 14.2 kg LPG cylinders remain delayed, with many bookings pending for over a week and no clear indication of when the next supply will arrive.Several residents said customer care helplines are either unresponsive or difficult to reach, adding to their frustration. Consumers also complained that the online booking systems and mobile apps of oil companies are showing delayed delivery schedules, often without any definite timeline for when the cylinders would be delivered.
Moreover, households relying on missed call services and the interactive voice response system (IVRS) to place refill requests are facing problems, as these systems are overburdened with the sudden surge in booking attempts.New regulations add to woesThe problem was compounded by recent changes in booking regulations introduced by oil companies. Earlier, consumers were allowed to book a refill 21 days after delivery of their previous cylinder, but the mandatory waiting period was reportedly extended to 25 days, adding to their concerns.“We booked the cylinder nearly a week ago, but there has been no update on delivery. 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,” said BT Srinivas, general secretary of the United Federation of RWAs.Some residents also alleged that delivery personnel are cancelling bookings if the OTP confirmation is delayed. “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,” said K Venkatesh, a resident of Shaikpet.“We urge the public not to panic or hoard cylinders. Efforts are on to stabilise supply and clear the backlog soon,” said D Ashok Kumar, president of the Greater Hyderabad Gas Distributors Association.
