LPG Cylinder Delivery Crisis in Kolkata: DAC Glitch Causes Widespread Delays
LPG consumers in Kolkata continue to encounter significant difficulties during cylinder deliveries, primarily due to persistent issues with Delivery Authentication Codes not reaching them or arriving with substantial delays. This ongoing problem stems from a technical glitch that remains unresolved, despite repeated assurances from oil marketing companies that the DAC flaw had been corrected.
Authentication System Creates Supply Chain Bottleneck
The OTP-based authentication mechanism, implemented to enhance transparency and prevent malpractice within the LPG distribution system, has ironically become a major bottleneck in the supply chain. Introduced as a mandatory step for cylinder delivery, customers must provide the four-digit code sent to their registered mobile numbers to delivery personnel upon arrival. However, numerous consumers report either not receiving the code at all or obtaining it much later than required.
"I booked my refill a week in advance and completed online payment, but when the delivery person arrived, I had no DAC on my phone," explained Sunita Pradhan, a resident of Chetla. "He refused to hand over the cylinder without the code, forcing me to reschedule the delivery. The entire experience has been incredibly frustrating."
Distributors Face Operational Strain
Local LPG distributors are also feeling the strain of this malfunctioning system. A distributor representative noted, "While DAC brings accountability to the delivery process, its execution remains problematic. When customers fail to receive the code, cylinders cannot be handed over, deliveries get delayed, and our personnel face the backlash from frustrated consumers."
Bijon Bihari Biswas, spokesperson for LPG distributors, emphasized the widespread nature of the problem, stating, "Even some former OMC officials are experiencing similar issues. The oil marketing companies must urgently address and remove these technical glitches to restore smooth operations."
OMC Defense and Practical Limitations
An OMC official attempted to defend the current system, explaining that delivery personnel have the capability to generate OTPs through their mobile applications at the time of cylinder delivery and receive them from users. However, a distributor quickly pointed out the practical limitations: "Not all delivery personnel possess smartphones, and even among those who do, not everyone can effectively navigate such applications."
OMC officials maintain that the DAC system remains essential for ensuring cylinders reach legitimate consumers. "DAC strengthens operational transparency and enables real-time tracking of deliveries," stated an official. "If the code is not generated or properly shared, the delivery cannot be marked as complete within our system."
Inventory Management Complications
This technical limitation creates significant complications for inventory management. When DAC codes are unavailable, the system continues to show cylinders as part of the distributor's inventory, even if they have physically reached consumers. This discrepancy creates accounting challenges and complicates overall inventory control procedures.
Consumer Frustration Mounts
Consumers express growing frustration with booking cancellations and delayed refunds resulting from these authentication failures. One user shared their experience: "My booking was cancelled due to an unspecified 'error,' and despite completing payment, neither a refund was processed nor could I successfully book another cylinder."
An OMC official suggested alternative solutions, noting that consumers could check both SMS and emails for DAC codes, book through applications, or contact distributors and customer care directly. He also mentioned that outdated mobile numbers could be updated by delivery personnel through their applications.
However, consumers argue these suggestions lack practicality during actual doorstep delivery situations. "Why should I need to log into applications or call customer care when a delivery person is standing at my door with a cylinder?" questioned Samita De, a resident of Haridevpur. "The system should work seamlessly without requiring such interventions at the last moment."
The persistent DAC glitch continues to disrupt LPG cylinder deliveries across Kolkata, creating frustration for consumers, operational challenges for distributors, and highlighting the gap between technological implementation and practical execution in essential service delivery systems.
