LPG crisis: Hyderabad dealers ask households not to panic, assure steady supply; businesses hit

Hyderabad: LPG shortage has hit small businesses, restaurants, and tiffin centers across Hyderabad.

Commercial LPG cylinders of 5kg and 19kg units are in short supply, which has directly impacted the businesses.

The only silver lining is that the households are currently experiencing a relatively stable supply.

Global tensions trigger a local crisis.

The current supply constraints are largely attributed to geopolitical instability in West Asia, which has disrupted fuel import logistics. This global conflict has created a ripple effect in Hyderabad, forcing agencies to prioritize domestic consumers while strictly limiting or halting the distribution of commercial cylinders.

Commercial supply is affected

An LPG distributor associated with HP Gas, who requested to remain anonymous, said, "The entire supply chain is impacted by external factors beyond our control. Because of the global situation, commercial 5kg and 19kg cylinders are in short supply. We are focusing entirely on maintaining domestic supply."

Panic booking overwhelms digital portals.

Anand Rao, owner of a Super Gas franchise, said much of the anxiety in the domestic sector is driven by panic.

"Commercial cylinders are releasing very slowly, and some hotels are being forced to scale back operations," says Rao. "However, for domestic users, there is no shortage. The reason people are finding it hard to book via websites or IVR is due to the surge in panic-driven calls. The government has secured adequate reserves for domestic needs, so households need not worry."

The 21-Day vs. 25-Day rule

To better manage the shortage, the government has moved to increase the mandatory gap between domestic cylinder bookings from 21 days to 25 days.

However, on the ground, many gas agencies in Hyderabad are still operating under the old 21-day rule, as per the agencies.

What are the big players saying?

Bharat Petroleum, in an official statement on X, said, “Due to the current geopolitical situation and blockade on LPG imports, available supplies are being carefully rationed to ensure wider coverage, with domestic households being the top priority. Other requests are being reviewed by a joint committee of LPG Executive Directors from BPCL, IOC, and HPCL, with allocations being considered based on criticality. “

It further added that “We would like to assure all citizens that the Government is making all efforts to ensure the free passage of LPG imports with hopes that normal supply conditions will resume soon.”

Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), in a statement on its official X account, the company reassured the public, stating, “There is no need for concern when it comes to LPG availability.” Supporting this, Chandrashekhar, a proprietor of Indane Gas Service in Nalagarh, highlighted the effectiveness of IndianOil’s supply network, noting that cylinders are being delivered with minimal difficulty. With a backlog of less than one day, the company continues to assure consumers of timely deliveries, with distributors working round-the-clock to ensure every household receives LPG smoothly and reliably.