Indane Gas Booking Issues Cause Long Queues in Lucknow
Long queues have formed outside LPG distributing agencies in Lucknow as customers struggle to book Indane gas cylinders due to ongoing online booking issues. The situation has escalated as many residents reported waiting for hours to secure their refills after the online portal experienced a technical snag.
The disruption in the booking system was attributed to a failure in the IVRS helpline and other digital systems, which has left many customers frustrated. Hasan Faisal, a local resident, noted, “I bought a cylinder for Rs 1,050 while the regular rate is around Rs 900. In a crisis, we have to manage somehow because there is no supply.” This highlights the desperation some customers are facing, leading them to turn to the black market.
Residents expressed growing concern about running out of gas before their refills arrive, with some unable to connect to the Indian Oil Corporation booking helpline despite repeated attempts. A woman had to seek assistance for her gas booking because it was not processed, further illustrating the challenges consumers are facing.
Additionally, the IVR system has limitations, as it may disconnect if a consumer attempts to book a second refill within 25 days of the previous booking. This has added to the frustration among customers who are already dealing with supply issues.
In a related incident, a Bengaluru-based customer, Madhu Menon, accused Indane of fraud in distribution, claiming that cylinders were booked in his name but not delivered. He stated, “Got this message saying my last cylinder was delivered on 25 Feb and I can’t order again till late March. Except I haven’t ordered a new cylinder since early 2025! Then I discovered clear fraud!” This raises concerns about the integrity of the booking system.
The Centre has revised the priority order for domestically produced natural gas due to ongoing supply disruptions, which may affect the availability of LPG cylinders in the coming weeks. While LPG companies have reported that the booking system is functioning normally, many consumers remain skeptical.
Alternative digital booking methods, such as SMS booking, missed call services, or mobile applications, are available for consumers, but many are still struggling to navigate these options effectively. Agency staff have acknowledged the issue, stating, “There is a server issue right now. It should be resolved soon.” However, the timeline for resolution remains unclear.
The disruption was triggered by a shortage of commercial LPG cylinders due to geopolitical issues, which has compounded the difficulties faced by consumers. As the situation develops, residents are left uncertain about when they will be able to secure their gas supplies without further complications.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the full extent of the issues and the timeline for resolution, leaving many customers anxious about their gas supply needs.
