Pune District Administration Enforces Strict OTP-Based LPG Cylinder Delivery System
In a decisive move to tackle persistent issues of delays, crowding, and irregular distribution, the Pune district administration has issued a comprehensive order making OTP-based delivery of domestic LPG cylinders compulsory. The directive mandates that all distributors complete home deliveries within a strict 96-hour window from the time of booking, aiming to streamline supply and enhance customer convenience across the district.
Key Directives and New Regulations
The administration's order, released after a review meeting on Monday, outlines several critical measures. OTP verification is now mandatory for all domestic cylinder deliveries, with a complete ban on direct distribution from godowns, agencies, or any other locations. Gas agencies have been instructed to cease manual booking processes and ensure that every refill is routed through the authorized digital system to maintain transparency and efficiency.
To enforce compliance, distributors are required to display boards outside their offices clearly stating that cylinders will be delivered only via OTP within the stipulated 96-hour period. Additionally, agencies must send SMS notifications to registered customers informing them of these new rules, discouraging gatherings at distribution points.
Preventing Misuse and Ensuring Fair Distribution
The administration has implemented strict waiting-period rules to prevent misuse and ensure equitable access. In municipal corporation and council areas, a second cylinder cannot be supplied before 25 days, while rural areas must adhere to a minimum gap of 45 days. Notably, the 25-day rule is also enforced in industrial zones like Hinjewadi to maintain consistency.
Oil companies have been directed to increase daily supply capacity and issue written instructions to all distributors regarding updated distribution procedures. Gas agencies are now obligated to submit daily reports on cylinder demand and supply to the district administration for monitoring purposes.
Challenges and Industry Response
Despite the tighter regulations, distributors express concerns over meeting the 96-hour deadline due to uneven supply and a recent surge in bookings. An anonymous IOCL distributor highlighted that pending bookings have exceeded a couple of thousand, with waiting times extending beyond a week, citing inconsistent supply as a major hurdle.
A BPCL dealer attributed delays not to a shortage of cylinders but to panic booking by consumers, noting that demand has spiked three to four times in recent days. This has led to increased backlogs despite steady supply, as customers book early out of fear.
System Improvements and Enforcement
Distributors emphasized that while the OTP system was previously mandatory, customers often collected cylinders first and provided OTPs later due to slow generation times. The new order strictly prohibits this practice, requiring oil companies to optimize their systems for instant OTP generation to facilitate seamless deliveries.
The administration has warned agencies against illegal sales or diversion of cylinders, mandating strict supervision of staff. In cases of obstructions in distribution, complaints must be filed at police stations to ensure accountability and smooth operations.
Officials in the petroleum and natural gas sector confirmed that LPG allocation is currently prioritized for household consumption, with states tasked to manage limited supplies across different sectors effectively.
