LPG booking system crashes amid global supply panic: 25-day wait rule enforced

New Delhi: India’s energy sector is facing a "perfect storm" as a technical collapse and geopolitical tensions collide. Indian Oil gas booking systems for Indane have reportedly crashed following a massive surge in traffic, leaving millions of households in Delhi and other metros in a state of high anxiety.

The crisis began when LPG gas booking volumes skyrocketed to 10 times the daily average. This surge was triggered by the government’s decision to increase the minimum waiting period for a domestic gas cylinder refill from 21 to 25 days.

BPCL (Bharat Petroleum) and HPCL (Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited) are also monitoring the situation. The company’s IVRS (Interactive Voice Response System) and mobile apps have struggled to stay online, leading to a massive shift toward gas booking online via third-party BBPS platforms.

Price hikes and economic impact

Adding to the consumer's burden, the LPG gas cylinder price in Delhi saw a sharp increase this week.

A standard 14.2kg LPG gas cylinder now costs ₹913, up by ₹60, reflecting the volatility in global LNG and crude markets. Meanwhile, petrol prices remain high at ₹103.54 per litre, and CNG rates are hovering at ₹77.00 per kg, squeezing the middle-class budget from all sides.

Why is there an LPG shortage in India?

The root cause is a supply-demand mismatch exacerbated by the Iran-Israel-US conflict. Domestic production has been prioritised, but imports (which account for 60% of India's needs) are delayed due to risks in the Strait of Hormuz.

To protect homes, the government has diverted supplies, causing a severe shortage of the commercial gas cylinder (19kg), which has now hit a price point of ₹1,883.

IRCTC and public services pivot

The impact has reached the tracks as well. IRCTC has issued an emergency advisory to its railway catering units to switch from gas to induction and microwave cooking to conserve LPG gas cylinders. This move ensures that passenger meals remain unaffected despite the national gas cylinder shortage in India.