Prayagraj: Noting frequent queues at LPG agencies despite distributors claiming they are clearing backlogs with limited refill supplies, consumers have been advised to avoid panic booking, wait for home delivery and consider alternatives such as piped natural gas to ease pressure.According to distributors, backlogs have reduced and now vary between four and eight days, depending on the company and agency. The LPG supply crunch continued for the third consecutive week, though there were signs of easing as panic-driven refill bookings declined. Officials said the situation remains normal, with no complete shortage at distributor points. Authorities are conducting raids and inspections to curb hoarding and black marketing. A distributor at Stanley Road said customers were visiting agencies a day after making bookings and demanding immediate delivery. “Most people are now coming to the agency to find out when they will get their cylinders,” he said. Distributors and agency staff said customer impatience remains a challenge. “Booking pressure has come down, but customers are unwilling to wait for scheduled home delivery and arrive at the agency as soon as their booking is confirmed,” said an agency owner. “We are unable to deliver refills promptly as we are receiving only about 50-60% of our quota. Customers often seek early delivery citing urgent household needs, including claims that food has not been cooked for days,” he said.
