The Indian oil gas booking system, particularly Indane’s LPG refill service, has encountered major disruptions across the country. This situation has arisen due to a dramatic surge in customer calls, leading to a crash of the booking system.

Reports indicate that the volume of calls to Indane’s Interactive Voice Response System (IVRS) and missed call booking numbers has increased by 8-10 times the usual levels. This unprecedented demand has overwhelmed the existing infrastructure, causing significant delays for consumers.

Government Response and Supply Challenges

In response to the rising demand, the government has increased the minimum waiting period for booking a domestic LPG cylinder refill from 21 days to 25 days. This change reflects the growing challenges in meeting consumer needs amid a backdrop of reduced supply.

Currently, the supply of domestic cylinders has decreased by 50%, while demand has surged by an equal percentage. This imbalance has resulted in longer wait times for customers trying to secure their LPG refills.

Price Increases Amidst Crisis

The crisis has also led to a significant increase in LPG cylinder prices. In Delhi, the price of a standard 14.2kg LPG gas cylinder has risen to ₹913, marking an increase of ₹60. This price hike is compounded by the fact that 60% of India’s LPG needs are typically met through imports, which are currently delayed due to geopolitical tensions.

Consumers have expressed frustration over the situation. One individual from Madipakkam noted that the IVR system kept repeating its message, further complicating the booking process. An employee at an Indane distribution center remarked on the anxiety among customers, stating, “People were anxious and crowded the office with their empty cylinders to get new ones.”

Operational Challenges

Moreover, the vendor invoice management system has also been reported as down, complicating the distribution process even further. Indane has acknowledged the severity of the situation, with a spokesperson stating, “We are currently facing an unprecedented situation.”

As the crisis unfolds, the government and oil companies are prioritizing domestic production to alleviate the supply issues. However, the ongoing geopolitical tensions continue to pose challenges for timely imports.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding the long-term solutions that will be implemented to stabilize the situation and restore normalcy to the Indian oil gas booking system.

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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.

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