LPG consumers face delay in getting gas cylinders in Kashmir

Srinagar, Oct 2: The closure of the Jammu–Srinagar highway in the first week of September, combined with traffic restrictions, has caused severe delays in LPG cylinder deliveries across the Kashmir Valley. Consumers have expressed frustration as online bookings are not being fulfilled on time.

“I booked my gas cylinder on September 5, and it still hasn’t been delivered,” said a Soura resident. “It is worrying, especially with winter approaching, and households relying on LPG for cooking.”

Sources said that IOC operates a private contract plant in the Valley with a daily loading capacity of only eight trucks, far below the requirement of 25 trucks. The remaining consignments take nearly three days to complete a round trip from Jammu. As a result, agencies receiving 300 bookings a day can supply only 150 cylinders, leaving a significant number of consumers without delivery.

Experts note that seasonal demand is compounding the problem. During October and November, households stock up on LPG in anticipation of potential highway closures in December and January due to harsh winter conditions, sharply increasing demand at a time when supply is already constrained.

On September 24, Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Satish Sharma, met representatives of leading oil companies, including HPCL, to review LPG availability in Jammu and Kashmir.

The Minister emphasised the need to ensure an uninterrupted supply of cylinders to all households.

Sharma said, “Ensuring uninterrupted availability of LPG cylinders to consumers across Jammu and Kashmir is our top priority. We are coordinating with oil companies and authorities to streamline supply and avoid any inconvenience to households, especially in rural and border areas. Trucks carrying LPG cylinders must be accorded top priority, and distribution networks should be expanded to ensure timely access to cooking gas for all families.”

He also directed officials of the FCS&CA to continuously monitor stock positions and work closely with oil companies to prevent any shortages, stressing that the government is taking all necessary steps to safeguard the interests of consumers ahead of winter.

Consumers have urged authorities and oil companies to accelerate deliveries and ensure adequate stock availability in the coming weeks.