Mumbai Faces Extended LPG Cylinder Delivery Delays Amid Panic Buying Surge
Residents of Mumbai booking domestic LPG cylinders are now confronting delivery delays stretching up to seven days, as panic buying over the past two days has created a substantial backlog. This situation persists even as government authorities have moved swiftly to restore faulty booking systems and mandated uninterrupted supply for households, public institutions, and essential services.
Technical Glitches and Consumer Complaints
Thousands of consumers had reported that LPG booking applications and missed-call services were malfunctioning, severely hindering their ability to place refill orders. In response, the state government directed oil companies on Friday to immediately address these technical issues and ensure smooth, accessible booking processes for all consumers.
Black marketing of cylinders has escalated, with prices soaring to more than double the standard rate of Rs 912.50, according to sources. Chaos and extensive queues were observed outside numerous dealer outlets, including locations in Bhandup and Santacruz, throughout Friday.
"There is no gas at home, so once my online booking was completed, I came with my empty cylinder demanding a replacement," explained Manoj Mali, who waited in a lengthy queue at Bhandup. Many others continued to voice frustrations over the IVRS and online booking systems being challenging and non-functional. To manage the increased demand, dealers intend to keep services and deliveries operational on Saturday and Sunday.
Government Response and Supply Assurance
Officials have established control rooms at the state, divisional, district, and taluka levels, alongside a dedicated WhatsApp grievance redressal facility to expedite complaint resolution. A senior state official emphasized that domestic LPG cylinders are available in quantities higher than those seen in the past six months and insisted there is no actual shortage.
"There is no shortage for domestic LPG, and action will be taken against fake news circulating on social media," the official stated, urging citizens not to believe rumors.
Maharashtra's average daily LPG demand stands at approximately 9,000 metric tonnes. In response, refinery output has been boosted by 22%, reaching nearly 11,000 metric tonnes per day to reinforce supplies. A dealer confirmed that adequate production and stock levels are in place for domestic LPG.
Prioritization and Coordination Efforts
With major festivals approaching, authorities have directed that uninterrupted LPG supply be maintained for public institutions and essential services. However, commercial LPG deliveries have not yet commenced in Mumbai. The petroleum minister informed Parliament that commercial establishments would receive 20% of their average monthly requirement.
Priority allocation under Central guidelines is being assigned to:
- Hospitals
- School mid-day meal schemes
- Ashram schools
- Community kitchens
- Government educational institutions
Anil Diggikar, Additional Chief Secretary of the Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Protection Department, has instructed all agencies to ensure smooth LPG supply and closely monitor distribution statewide. In the Mumbai-Thane rationing area, a committee under the controller of rationing will oversee coordination, involving the deputy commissioner of police and deputy controller (rationing). The joint commissioner of police (administration) will coordinate with deputy commissioners in Mumbai and Thane.
Fuel Availability and Natural Gas Diversion
Officials noted that adequate stock of domestic PNG is also available, and the state maintains sufficient reserves of petrol and diesel. Refineries in Maharashtra are operating at full capacity, producing about 15,000 kilolitres of petrol and 38,000 kilolitres of diesel daily, according to petroleum ministry sources.
Meanwhile, MGL issued a statement explaining, "Due to prevailing geopolitical developments affecting LNG imports, the Central Government has ordered the diversion of natural gas to priority sectors. As per the order, MGL will maintain gas supplies to Domestic PNG customers and CNG stations at 100% of past period average consumption. The order also requires partial curtailment of gas supply to Industrial and Commercial customers, most of whom can switch to alternate fuel and energy sources."
