Delay of LPG Delivery Prompts Many To Run From Pillar To Post, Carrying Cylinders
Logistics under control, there is only 6-days of backlog, argue officials
Hyderabad: Residents across Hyderabad reported delays of up to two to three weeks in receiving domestic LPG cylinders, even as authorities maintained that stocks were sufficient to meet demand.
Queues were seen at several LPG agencies, with consumers arriving with empty cylinders and seeking replacements, and black marketing of commercial cylinders continued to be reported.
An anxious mould maker, M.A. Hafeez, who was standing in front of an LPG distributor at Musheerabad with an empty cylinder, said the uncertainty had added to concerns over supply. “Following several days of delay, I was told by my wife to ensure they get the cylinder before the gas in the functional cylinder is over. There was no choice, as the family was turning anxious amid rumours of continuing short supply,” said M A Hafeez at an agency in Musheerabad.
As of April 16, the domestic LPG price in Hyderabad stood at Rs 965 for a 14.2 kg cylinder and Rs 335.50 for a 5 kg cylinder. Commercial LPG cylinders were priced at Rs 2,320.50 for 19 kg and Rs 4,900.50 for 47.5 kg.
Despite vigilance action, black marketing of commercial cylinders persisted, with some vendors alleging sale at nearly double the official price. While many eateries and street food vendors have already shifted over to induction tops or using kerosene for cooking, others have continued to use commercial LPG.
“Despite government assurances of resolving issues, we are paying Rs 4,500 for a commercial cylinder, whose official price is Rs 2,000. The only saving grace is that the price in the black market is Rs 500 less than what we paid in March, which was by far the worst month for the food vendors like us,” said Ganesh, a tea vendor in Secunderabad.
Authorities, however, said the situation was improving, citing official figures that showed a six-day backlog in domestic LPG delivery, compared to more than eight days in the previous month.
“We have overcome the issue of delay. There could be a few instances or places where it is getting delayed, as the entire logistics issue is being resolved. We once again reiterate that people should not panic, as we have enough stocks and the situation is under control,” an official coordinating between the state and oil marketing companies said.
