Patna: The supply of cooking gas in the capital has begun gradually returning to normal after several days of disruption, with most distributors receiving shipments on Thursday. However, the distribution process remained strained as agencies worked through a backlog of bookings accumulated over the past week.
Several distributors across the city – including Shri Dhar Sai Indane, SK Trading, Jyoti Kalash, RV Enterprises, Satya Gas, Puneet Indane, Aarohi Indane and Nitin Navi – reported receiving fresh stocks. Despite the resumption of supplies, delivery personnel faced significant challenges due to a large number of pending orders.
At several locations, the surge in customers led to crowding and disorder outside agency premises. Police were called to manage the situation at a Safeway Gas showroom, where large numbers of consumers had gathered. There were also reports of an altercation between consumers and a delivery worker from RV Enterprises.
Distributors alleged that some customers attempted to collect cylinders without prior bookings, further complicating the delivery process.
According to agency operators, the disruption was caused by a combination of supply interruptions and technical problems that led to a backlog of bookings lasting between seven and eight days. The situation was worsened when the central server responsible for receiving booking requests went offline for a period, preventing new orders from being registered.
At the same time, many consumers visited agency offices to complete mandatory electronic know-your-customer (e-KYC) verification. In several locations, queues of between 50 and 100 people formed outside showrooms.
Distributors said panic booking by customers during the supply disruption had also increased pressure on the system, contributing to the growing backlog.
Agency operators said deliveries were now being prioritised for pending bookings and expressed confidence that the situation would stabilise soon. Local authorities are also monitoring the distribution system to ensure that consumers do not face unnecessary inconvenience.
