Patna: The gas supply system in Bihar has been severely disrupted, affecting both commercial establishments and household consumers. While the supply of commercial LPG cylinders has been temporarily halted, domestic consumers are facing delays in cylinder deliveries due to technical issues and supply imbalances.
The disruption has particularly hit hotels and restaurants, many of which are struggling to operate as commercial LPG supply has been stopped for the time being. Meanwhile, domestic consumers are facing difficulties due to delays in receiving the Delivery Authentication Code (DAC) even after booking cylinders.
Across several districts, including Patna, people have been visiting gas agency offices in large numbers as DAC codes are not being generated despite bookings. Long queues have been seen outside agencies since morning, with staff attempting to explain the situation to concerned consumers.
However, Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) has maintained that there is no shortage of domestic LPG in the state. The company has instructed all agencies to ensure that cylinders are delivered to consumers who have already made bookings.
Supply disrupted after Holi
According to agency operators, the supply of domestic LPG cylinders has been disrupted in many districts of Bihar, including Patna, since the Holi festival. After the recent increase in cylinder prices, consumers are now facing additional challenges such as delayed bookings and delivery issues.
In many cases, consumers are able to book cylinders only after 25 days, and frequent server outages have further complicated the booking process. Due to limited availability of cylinders at agencies, deliveries are running 5 to 6 days behind schedule. Some agencies reportedly have a backlog of more than 1,500 cylinders.
Consumers whose cylinders have already run out are particularly affected and, in some cases, are reportedly facing arbitrary demands from delivery vendors.
Agencies cite holidays and surge in demand
Gas agency representatives say the supply imbalance is due to disruptions caused by the Holi holidays and a sudden increase in demand afterward.
Mannu Kumar of Paliganj Indane said supply has been affected since Holi. “Earlier, supply trucks arrived every day, but the last delivery came on Monday after a gap of three days. On Tuesday, no truck arrived, which has caused delays in deliveries,” he said.
Several agency operators in Patna said that refilling operations at LPG plants were affected during the festival holidays. When demand suddenly increased afterward, the supply system could not keep pace, resulting in a backlog of four to five days. Rural areas are facing a similar situation.
Commercial supply paused temporarily
Officials said the state normally receives around 2.5 lakh LPG cylinders daily, of which about 12,500 are commercial cylinders supplied to hotels, restaurants, schools and hostels.
At present, the supply of commercial LPG cylinders has been temporarily stopped to prioritise domestic consumption. Vineet Seth, Area Manager of IOCL, said there is no shortage of domestic LPG and agencies have been instructed to ensure delivery to booked consumers.
He added that DAC numbers are being generated for consumers who booked cylinders after a waiting period of about 25 days and urged people not to panic.
Authorities warn against black marketing
The Special Branch DIG has written to divisional commissioners, district magistrates, inspectors general of police, senior superintendents of police and superintendents of police, asking them to remain vigilant against possible black marketing of petroleum products.
The advisory states that the ongoing conflict situation in Gulf countries could potentially affect the supply of LPG, petrol and diesel, and anti-social elements might attempt to exploit the situation through illegal hoarding or black marketing.
Patna administration begins monitoring
The Patna district administration has begun monitoring the LPG supply situation. On the directions of District Magistrate Dr Thyigarajan SM, a team led by the Additional District Magistrate (Supply) has started inspecting gas agencies and storage facilities.
Officials said there are 155 gas agencies in Patna district, which together supply around 45,000 cylinders daily. Of these, about 3 to 5 percent are commercial LPG cylinders.
