Kamal Ghorui
KOLKATA: Mounting uncertainties over global energy supply amid tensions in West Asia have prompted the Centre to explore fresh measures to manage domestic LPG availability, such as providing lesser volume of the fuel in refilled cylinders and further extending the waiting period for ordering a refill.Currently, each domestic cylinder contains 14.2kg LPG. Sources said the Centre has asked oil marketing companies (OMCs) to explore the feasibility of providing 10kg or even 7kg in each cylinder.Officials said the move is being considered in light of concerns over fuel tanker movement through the Strait of Hormuz. “Some options are being discussed to ensure equitable distribution, prevent shortage and minimise pilferage. Reducing LPG in domestic cylinders is one of them,” an OMC source said.Consumers, however, are unhappy. “One cylinder lasts 15 days in our home. A 10-kg or 7-kg cylinder will be over in 7 to 9 days. You cannot book a cylinder before 25 days (from the date of delivery of the previous cylinder). How will cooking be done?” asked Gaurav Saxena, from Taratala.LPG dealers, too, are worried over the proposal.Change in supply quantity may complicate things: DealersWe are already struggling with rising demand, booking failures and e-KYC issues. Any change in supply quantity will create more complications. We may also face allegations of LPG theft,” said an LPG dealer in south Kolkata.The proposed shift to 7kg or 10kg cylinders, while aimed at stretching available supply across more households, may bring logistical challenges. “Handling more cylinders of smaller size will increase operational pressure. But if it ensures greater access, it may be necessary,” a distributor said.Among consumer complaints of confusion over booking confirmation and delays in receiving cylinders, reports are circulating that the current waiting period for booking may be further increased. “There is a strong possibility the waiting period may be extended from 25 to 30 days from the date of delivery,” a source in an OMC said.“Even after booking is confirmed, there is no clarity on when the cylinder will arrive,” said homemaker Anindita Sen from Chetla. Rajesh Gupta from New Alipore said, “The system lacks transparency.”Distributors said they are caught in the middle of supply constraints and customer dissatisfaction. “We are doing our best to manage deliveries, but supply is tight and rules have to be followed,” a Kolkata-based LPG distributor said.
