LPG Crisis: Consumers struggle to book cylinders across Kashmir
Helplines remain busy, dealers cite supply disruptions
Our Special Correspondent
Srinagar: An emerging shortage of domestic LPG cylinders has begun to trouble households across Kashmir, with consumers complaining that booking numbers remain constantly busy and deliveries are getting delayed, triggering frustration among residents already grappling with rising living costs.
Across Srinagar and several districts of the Valley, consumers said they have been repeatedly trying to book cylinders through official helplines and mobile applications but are unable to get through.
Many reported that the booking numbers remain engaged for long periods, leaving households uncertain about when their next refill will arrive.
“I have been trying to book a cylinder for the past two days. Every time I call the number, it shows busy. Even the online booking is not responding properly,” said a resident of Srinagar’s Bemina area.
Similar complaints have been reported from other parts of Kashmir including Budgam, Baramulla and Anantnag, where consumers say the situation has created anxiety among families that rely heavily on LPG for cooking.
The problem comes at a time when global energy markets are witnessing fresh turbulence amid escalating tensions in West Asia. The ongoing conflict involving Iran, Israel and their allies has rattled international fuel supply chains, pushing up energy prices and creating uncertainty over shipping routes in the region.
Energy experts say that although India imports LPG from multiple countries, instability in the Gulf region — a major energy hub — can indirectly disrupt supply schedules and increase logistical pressures.
Several local LPG distributors in Kashmir acknowledged that delays in supplies have begun to affect deliveries in the Valley.
A dealer in Srinagar, requesting anonymity, said that supply consignments have slowed in recent days, leading to a backlog of orders.
“Bookings are piling up because deliveries are not coming as regularly as before. When supply improves, the backlog will clear, but at the moment there is pressure on the system,” the dealer said.
Another distributor said the heavy load on booking systems could also be contributing to the issue.
“When many consumers try to book cylinders at the same time, the helplines get jammed. But the main concern right now is delayed supply,” he added.
For households in Kashmir, where LPG has become the primary cooking fuel over the past decade due to government schemes and increased awareness about clean energy, such disruptions can quickly translate into daily hardship.
Many families have already begun rationing their LPG usage, while some have temporarily switched to traditional alternatives such as firewood and kerosene.
Consumers have urged authorities and oil companies to intervene and streamline the booking process while ensuring uninterrupted supply.
“We just want the system to work properly. If the numbers remain busy and cylinders don’t arrive on time, people will naturally panic,” said another consumer.
Officials from local LPG agencies said they are monitoring the situation and expect supplies to stabilize soon. However, they acknowledged that global developments in the Middle East could influence fuel logistics in the coming weeks.
With tensions in West Asia showing little sign of easing, residents fear that the LPG shortage could worsen if supply chains remain under pressure.
For now, thousands of households across Kashmir are left repeatedly dialing booking numbers — and hoping the line finally connects.
