Consumers Wait Up to 12 Days for LPG Cylinders Amid Supply Disruptions

The supply of LPG (cooking gas) has been severely disrupted across four districts of the Malwa region in Punjab, leaving thousands of consumers struggling to get refills. According to official data, a significant backlog of bookings has accumulated with Indane gas agencies, resulting in over 19,607 consumers facing long waiting periods. Reports compiled from 47 gas agencies reveal that 18,556 bookings have been pending for more than 10 days. In addition, around 1,051 consumers have not received their cylinders even after waiting for over 20 days. The ongoing supply disruption has raised serious concerns across the region. The situation is particularly alarming in Faridkot district, where consumers are receiving cylinders 11 to 12 days after booking. On Tuesday, agencies delivered cylinders to customers who had placed orders on April 9 and 10. Sources in the Food and Supplies Department stated that in Faridkot city alone, four Indane agencies have a backlog of 10,361 bookings. Of these, 1,608 consumers who placed orders before April 12 are still waiting for delivery. Officials attribute the supply disruption to logistical challenges as well as ongoing geopolitical tensions at the international level involving Israel, the United States, and Iran. Experts believe that global energy supply chains have been affected, leading to delays in the availability and transportation of LPG. Meanwhile, the delay in gas supply has sparked widespread resentment among the public. Consumers have expressed concern that the shortage is affecting their household budgets and daily routines. Many families are being forced to rely on electric stoves or other alternative arrangements due to the unavailability of LPG cylinders.