Punjab-based LPG distributors on Tuesday said the supply of LPG is “inadequate”. This is despite claims by the Centre and oil marketing companies that there is enough LPG available. The distributors have demanded an increase in supply to clear the growing backlog.
Addressing mediapersons in Chandigarh, Federation of LPG Distributors of Punjab president Gurpal Singh Mann said a sudden hike in LPG prices — Rs 60 for domestic cylinders and Rs 115 for commercial ones — created panic among consumers. Many feared that a shortage of supply could follow. He said that instead of calming the situation, the steps taken afterward only added to confusion and anxiety among people.
Mann also raised concerns over the booking rules. Urban consumers can now book a cylinder once every 25 days, while rural consumers can do so once every 45 days. He called these rules discriminatory and difficult to justify if there is truly no shortage. He added that the temporary suspension of LPG booking channels for three to four days made the situation worse. Distributors had to deal with public pressure without any clear information or support.
"This has resulted in a surge of pending bookings, while supply from bottling plants remains insufficient to meet even existing demand," he said. The association said that while the government and state-run oil companies claim there is enough LPG, the ground reality is different. Distributors are facing backlogs and inadequate supply.
Mann said this gap between official claims and actual delivery is affecting public trust. He added that restrictive booking policies, suspension of booking systems, and sudden price hikes have created panic among consumers. This has led to a perception of shortage, similar to what was seen during the COVID-19 period.
Mann also said distributors are not getting clear and timely information about supply schedules or policy decisions. This makes it difficult for them to respond to public concerns. He said there are around 980 LPG distributors in Punjab, serving nearly 96 lakh customers.
Also read: Mann slams Centre over ‘VIP treatment’ to Bishnoi
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