Bengaluru: Amid uncertainty and rumours regarding the supply of cooking gas, private LPG distributors in the city have reported a sharp rise in bookings for domestic cylinders over the past week, with some agencies witnessing more than double their usual daily demand.

While distributors and oil companies insist that there is no disruption in the supply of LPG cylinders from plants, agencies say they are struggling to handle the sudden spike in bookings due to limited manpower and delivery vehicles.

Panic booking drives surge in demand

Officials from private LPG distribution agencies said the increase in bookings appears to be driven largely by panic among consumers who fear a possible shortage.

A representative from a private gas distribution agency in Rajarajeshwari Nagar said the number of daily bookings has increased drastically in recent days.

“Earlier, we used to receive around 450 to 460 bookings every day. Now the number has crossed 800. It seems that people are panic-booking cylinders even though there is no shortage of domestic LPG supply,” the representative said.

According to distributors, such panic-driven demand has put pressure on delivery systems that are designed to handle a relatively stable daily booking volume.

Delivery capacity unable to match bookings

Another agency operator in Krishnarajapuram said that although bookings have increased significantly, the agency is unable to match the pace of deliveries.

“In a day, I can supply a maximum of about 500 cylinders. However, pending orders have already crossed 600, and on top of that the daily booking rate has doubled,” the operator said.

Distributors explained that even when supply from the LPG plants remains steady, a sudden surge in bookings can create delays because agencies have limited staff and vehicles to carry out deliveries.

They said delivery schedules are being stretched as agencies attempt to clear pending orders while also handling fresh bookings.

Oil companies assure adequate supply

Amid growing concerns among residents, major oil marketing companies have issued statements assuring consumers that there is no shortage of LPG cylinders.

State-run companies such as Bharat Gas and Hindustan Petroleum have sent messages to customers stating that supplies remain adequate and there is no cause for alarm.

Large suppliers including Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) and Hindustan Petroleum (HP) also clarified that rumours circulating on social media about fuel shortages are misleading.

“Claims of a shortage in fuel supply circulating on social media are misleading and baseless. There is adequate availability of fuel in the country. Citizens are assured that there is no need for concern,” the companies stated.

They also urged consumers to use fuel responsibly and avoid unnecessary hoarding.

Government increases booking interval

In an attempt to curb panic-booking and prevent hoarding of cylinders, the Union government has introduced a revised rule for domestic LPG refills.

Under the new rule, the mandatory waiting period between bookings for a domestic LPG cylinder has been increased from 21 days to 25 days.

The rule specifically applies to the standard 14.2 kg domestic LPG cylinder used by most households.

Officials believe the change will discourage consumers from placing repeated bookings and ensure more balanced distribution of cylinders.

Customers report booking rejections

Despite the assurances from distributors and oil companies, some residents have reported difficulties while attempting to book refill cylinders.

Several customers have complained that their booking requests were rejected by the system.

According to distributors, such rejections usually occur when customers attempt to book a new cylinder within 25 days of receiving the previous one.

However, some consumers have disputed this explanation and claimed that they had not received a refill within the specified period.

Some households exploring alternatives

The delays in deliveries and booking difficulties have prompted some households to consider alternative cooking options.

Several customers who have already placed refill requests said they may temporarily switch to induction cooktops if their LPG cylinders do not arrive on time.

Appliance retailers have also reported a slight increase in enquiries about induction stoves as residents look for backup cooking solutions.

Authorities urge calm

Authorities and distributors have appealed to the public not to panic and to avoid placing unnecessary bookings.

Officials reiterated that LPG supply from production plants continues without disruption and that the current delays are mainly due to the sudden increase in bookings.

They urged consumers to rely on official communication from oil companies rather than unverified messages circulating on social media.

With the government and suppliers assuring adequate stock, distributors hope that the surge in bookings will stabilise in the coming days once public concerns ease.