‘Booked online but still didn’t get LPG’

Bhopal: What could have been a seamless process has turned into a daily ordeal, with thousands thronging distributor outlets for LPG cylinders despite holding valid booking confirmations. "I received the OTP and booking acknowledgement on my phone two days ago, but when I arrived at the agency, they said the system shows no record," said Kripa Rai, a homemaker from Arera Colony, who waited over four hours in the sweltering heat. Other than these complaints, there are first-timers too who are struggling to even initiate an online request. Staff at an agency agency at 5 no bus stop expressed frustration. "We're equipped to resume home deliveries in a week, as per directives. But delays in online system are leading to queues," said the manager, requesting anonymity. "A week? We can't wait that long with empty kitchens," said Arun Kumar, an auto-rickshaw driver. Similar scenes unfolded in Manisha market and Hoshangabad Road, prompting police deployment. Oil marketing companies have blamed server overloads, promising fixes by Monday. Critics, including consumer activists, argue the govt rushed the digital mandate, leading to this situation.