LPG booking surge crashes servers, fuels black market in Jaipur

Jaipur: A surge in LPG demand amid supply disruptions crippled refill bookings in Jaipur Thursday, with oil marketing company servers failing under heavy traffic, consumers struggling to get confirmation numbers, and black market sales rising to more than double the official rate.

Residents said repeated attempts to book cylinders are often unsuccessful, while agencies said the problem is worst on the Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL) server, which reportedly becomes difficult to access during the day. The disruption has also pushed consumers towards alternatives such as induction stoves, whose stocks have now run out at many shops.


"After a few calls, I managed to book a cylinder in the morning, but I am still waiting for the confirmation. The agency person told me the reference number will come at night," said one customer.

Agency representatives said they are unable to help customers because of the server failures. "Customers keep calling us, but we have no answers. There is no communication because the servers are not working properly," said an agency official.

They added that booking through HPCL and BPCL servers is comparatively easier.

The shortage has also triggered black marketing. Consumers said cylinders are being sold at more than twice the official price. "Some are managing cylinders from the black market even though they pay a heavy price," said another customer.

Chief minister Bhajan Lal Sharma raised the issue Wednesday and expressed concern over hoarding and black marketing. He warned that strict action would be taken against those involved in illegal practices.

The supply crunch has also driven up demand for induction stoves. Retailers in Jaipur said sales have risen sharply, but fresh stock is unavailable. "Our stock is completely exhausted. We are waiting for new supplies, but we are not sure when we will get them," said a Jaipur-based retailer.