Consumers await domestic LPG cylinder delivery, but distributors deny shortage

Ramla Karim, a homemaker at Karamana in the State capital, is a trifle anxious. She has only one functional domestic LPG cylinder; her other is exhausted and she has no clue when she will get a refill, though a message she received promised delivery in six days. “We booked a refill five days ago and are still awaiting delivery. We are planning to get an induction cooktop since we do not know when we will get a refill or how things will be moving forward.”

Ajay Kumar M., a resident of Vilappil panchayat, says his family of two have been making do with one cylinder since the refill booked 25-odd days ago had not yet been delivered. “Usually, it takes around 10 days after booking to get delivery of a domestic LPG cylinder. This time it has been longer, even though the booking was made before the current crisis. Today too, we were told that the cylinder will be delivered, but we are waiting. We may move to firewood for cooking.”

The impact of the LPG crisis, particularly on the hotel and restaurant sector, has stoked fears of a ripple effect, with domestic LPG customers worried about a possible shortage. Images of consumers queuing up outside agencies with empty cylinders in other States have not helped.

Sanal Kumar, general secretary of the All India LPG Distributors’ Federation (Kerala circle), however denies any shortage of domestic LPG cylinders. “The government is maintaining a steady supply of LPG by prioritising supplies to domestic LPG consumers,” he says, terming the decision prudent.

Consumers have also complained about not being able to book a refill. At Pattom, a retired bank employee who was trying to book a refill for one of her domestic LPG gas cylinders that was nearly exhausted did not meet with any success. The IVRS did not work, and attempts to contact the agency directly too failed.

The experience of Saramma B., who lives near her son at Pattoor, has been similar. Her LPG connection is in her hometown in Ernakulam district and she had wanted to book a refill for an empty cylinder before heading there for some days. It took repeated tries for two days before she was able to book a refill.

Mr. Kumar points out that there is a gestation period of 25 days in urban areas and 45 in rural areas before a refill can be booked. Panic could have led to too many people trying to book cylinders, overwhelming the software. It could also lead to longer waiting periods, he says.

Minister for Civil Supplies G.R. Anil told mediapersons that oil marketing company representatives had assured the government that they have adequate stocks and there is no need for panic. Too many bookings owing to panic among consumers led to the problems. A meeting chaired by the Chief Minister has decided to enhance server capacity and streamline bookings to ensure LPG cylinders to domestic consumers, the Minister said.