LPG supply in Pune is stabilizing, but delays may continue for two months as distributors clear backlogs. Panic booking has worsened the situation.
PUNE: While the supply of domestic liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders in Pune is beginning to stabilise, residents may continue to face delays for the next couple of months as distributors work towards clearing the backlog of pending bookings.
Supply constraints and panic booking by consumers amid the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel and the United States of America (USA) had left several households struggling for timely refills over the past few weeks. While the situation has started to ease, operators say a full return to normalcy will take time. Distributors estimate that it could two months or more for the system to fully recover, with current efforts focused on servicing older bookings. Many agencies have temporarily stopped taking new orders to prioritise pending deliveries.
Nitin Dangi, a Bibwewadi-based distributor, said that the supply chain remains tightly regulated. “We have been instructed to clear all pending bookings first, and new bookings are currently on hold. It may take up to three months for the shortage to be fully addressed. There is also no clarity yet on our 20% quota of non-subsidised domestic and commercial cylinders. At present, we are strictly following government directives,” he said.
A representative from Suvidha gas agency in Hadapsar said that the supply has started improving recently. “The situation is not fully normal yet, but there is visible stabilisation. We expect gradual improvement going forward,” the distributor said.
Despite these signs, residents across the city continue to report delays of more than a week, forcing many to ration usage and alter daily routines.
Some residents also pointed to panic booking as a key factor behind the crisis. Sunita Jadhav from Vishrantwadi, said, “Many people booked cylinders even when they still had enough gas, fearing shortages. That added pressure on the system and affected those who genuinely needed refills.”
Officials from the food and civil supplies department said that the situation is gradually improving. “Supply and distribution are stabilising, and the worst phase is likely over. However, it may take another couple of months for complete normalisation. Consumers are advised not to panic and to use LPG judiciously,” an official at the district collectorate said.
https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/pune-news/lpg-supply-stabilising-in-pune-but-delays-likely-to-continue-for-two-months-101774201261664.html