Pune LPG Crisis Escalates as Delivery Personnel Face Physical Assaults
In a disturbing escalation of Pune's ongoing cooking gas crisis, multiple LPG cylinder delivery personnel have reported being physically assaulted and threatened by desperate customers. The incidents highlight the severe security risks facing frontline workers amid spiraling demand for domestic gas cylinders.
Violent Confrontations Over Pre-Booked Cylinders
According to members of the All India LPG Distributors' Federation, Maharashtra (AILDF-MAH), a delivery boy was recently slapped when he attempted to deliver a pre-booked cylinder to a housing society. "He had properly secured his vehicle before going upstairs to complete the delivery, as agencies have instructed staff to prevent cylinder theft during this crisis," explained a federation member. "When he returned, approximately 10-12 people surrounded him demanding cylinders. When he explained those cylinders were already booked, they became aggressive, argued with him, and ultimately slapped him."
The federation member added that although the delivery personnel immediately contacted their office, by the time a manager arrived at the scene, the assailants had already fled. This incident represents just one of several similar confrontations reported across the city in recent days.
Additional Attacks and Security Concerns
Another Pune-based LPG dealer, who requested anonymity, described a separate incident in the Jambhulwadi–Datta Nagar area. "A delivery boy was surrounded by a group, and someone struck him from behind near the neck. People shouted threats at him because they feared cylinders would become unavailable," the dealer revealed. No formal police complaint was filed in this case due to difficulties identifying the specific attacker.
These violent encounters have created significant security concerns for delivery personnel, who often carry substantial cash during their rounds. "Delivery boys typically carry between Rs 40,000-50,000 while making deliveries and cannot handle large, aggressive crowds alone," noted a distributor associated with the federation. "This has become a serious security issue, compounded by reports of cylinders being stolen amid the chaos."
Police Intervention and Coordination
Following numerous complaints from distributors, Pune police have initiated coordination with LPG agencies to prevent further untoward incidents. "The home department has instructed local police stations to maintain regular contact with gas distributors," confirmed another federation member. "We have participated in meetings where we received emergency contact numbers, ensuring police can respond immediately if any distributor encounters trouble during deliveries."
Panic Bookings Begin to Subside
Despite the ongoing security concerns, gas distributors reported on Saturday that the crisis situation has shown slight improvement over the past two days. "Bookings had increased abnormally for several days, but now the numbers are gradually decreasing," observed an LPG dealer. "We anticipate the situation stabilizing further if booking patterns return to normal levels."
Nevertheless, delivery personnel remain reluctant to work alone in certain areas, and the federation continues to monitor security arrangements closely as Pune navigates this challenging period of heightened demand for essential cooking fuel.
