Not only has the ongoing LPG crisis in the city not improved within the last two weeks, it actually seems to have worsened, and produced more reasons for panic and uncertainty among citizens. Supply problems continue to trouble consumers, but now, lack of communication from authorities has built a sense of distrust in the minds of people. Consumers can now book a cylinder only once every 25 days. This rule has led to hardship for citizens, especially those who live in larger families. On top of that, if someone tries to book a refill within the 25-day window, a message saying ‘Sorry, we could not find any connection registered with this mobile’ is heard. Kaveri Sanyal, a resident of near LAD College, told ‘The Hitavada’, “I didn’t realise my 25 days were not up, so I tried to book a cylinder. Suddenly, that message popped up and I panicked. I asked my neighbour if the same thing was happening to her, and it was. We genuinely thought our connection had been discontinued because of lack of supply, but then we found out from another neighbour that if you try to book within the 25 day gap, that message is displayed,” she explained. “A simple clarification message saying the booking window has not yet opened would prevent unnecessary distress for so many people,” she suggested. 

 

In another instance, Jayant Meghani, residing in Gorepeth, was told that he had exceeded his limit of 15 cylinders a year, and that he’d be able to book a cylinder from April 1, 2026. “I live in a small family, where there is no way our cylinder limit exceeds eight cylinders a year. When I asked to see what record they had of these alleged deliveries, I received no clear response,” he said. Prashant Mahto, who resides in a slum area in Pandhrabodi, also expressed his frustration on the matter. “When I went to book the cylinders, they were telling me my eKYC had not been updated. I have never been told this before. I’ve had a gas connection for almost six years now, and I always ensure everything is up-to-date. It seems they are trying to cook up any excuse possible to not give cylinders to those in need,” he said. 

 

 Jayant Meghani also added that websites of oil marketing companies are either lagging or unresponsive, and their phone number also keeps on changing. “There is a lot of fake news circulating on social media about alleged time slots when bookings will be open, but it has made no difference. This lack of accountability from gas agencies is adding to the panic, so much so that even official statements from gas agencies sound like pathetic excuses.” he said.