Prayagraj: Panic buying due to LPG shortage fears has led to a massive backlog at city-based gas agencies. Customers are flocking to agencies for refills, straining booking systems and extending supply times, despite assurances from authorities of adequate stock.According to reports, domestic LPG consumers in Sangam City panicked and placed refill orders, pushing pending deliveries to 800-1,000 at each gas agency.Owners of gas agencies and distributors claimed that the situation has slightly improved, but they are facing a backlog as the supply chain was yet to be maintained. “If oil agencies manage to maintain the supply chain of domestic LPG cylinder consignments, the backlog will be cleared easily,” said a distributor.“Bookings with distributors suddenly surged to 2 to 5 times the normal volume, creating a backlog despite deliveries being ramped up by about 20 to 30%,” said a distributor at Stanley Road.Geetanjali, a housewife, is still waiting for her refill, booked on Mar 11. “I usually get it in a day or two, but this time it’s taking forever,” she said.Consumers are trying hard to secure cylinders amid tightening supplies. Across multiple outlets, scenes of chaos and confusion unfolded through the day. Distributors claimed that they would be able to dispatch cylinders once they got consignments from oil companies.“If we get consignment from the oil company on every second or third day, this creates a big backlog as bookings for cylinders continue every day,” said a distributor, adding, “The supply chain is likely to improve in days to come if we get consignments of cylinders on every second day.”Residents are frowning, waiting hours for cylinders booked days ago. Meanwhile, district authorities say they are keeping a hawk’s eye on gas agencies and godowns, checking stock twice a day. Govt officials are on the ground, monitoring distribution, collecting feedback, and cracking down on black marketing.On Monday, customers showed up at the gas agency, only to leave disappointed as the consignment didn’t arrive. Neerja from Ashok Nagar reached the agency at 10 am, but no luck. Some consumers were even unable to book refills. A senior official said, “There is no shortage of domestic LPG, but bookings shot up manifold after the Holi festival.”“With the sudden spike stretching delivery timelines, the delivery time increased from 24 hours to at least 72 or 96 hours, despite distributors working extra hours,” the official said.
