Kolhapur residents struggle as agencies impose 25-day waiting for gas bookings

KOLHAPUR: Consumers across the region claimed of facing significant delays in LPG refills with gas agencies implementing a mandatory 25-day waiting period between bookings to manage panic buying.

Under the new restrictions, a consumer who has received a cylinder must wait 25 days before s/he is eligible for a refill. For example, if a customer received a cylinder two days ago, they must now wait another 22 days to book their next one. While a 21-day limit existed previously, it was rarely enforced due to a surplus in supply.

The shortage is hitting small businesses hard. Rajendra Daphale, who runs a Lassi centre near Kolhapur's RTO, expressed concern over his seasonal business. "To make lassi, we must boil large quantities of milk to set the curd. With these refill restrictions, I don't know how I will run my business during the peak summer months," Daphale said.

The crisis has also prompted customers with single-cylinder connections to apply for double-cylinder (DBC) connections to build a buffer. "If I had a second cylinder and both were filled before the war started, I wouldn't be worried now. I am applying for a second connection today to avoid such emergencies in future," said one customer at a local agency.

Compounding the supply issue is a sharp rise in prices. The govt has increased the rate of a domestic 14.2 kg cylinder to Rs916, triggering widespread public anger.

"The 25-day restriction is hard-coded into our software; the system simply won't process a new order until the 25-day window has passed," said an LPG agency operator in Kolhapur.

On Monday, Kolhapur district collector Amol Yedge held an emergency meeting with gas agency officials and operators. He directed agencies to provide daily stock updates and to immediately report spikes in booking volumes to the administration. "Our priority is ensuring LPG for domestic use," said Mohini Chavan, district supply officer. "For the next few days, we may have to ration commercial LPG. We have ordered agencies to strictly adhere to the 25-day rule to prevent a domestic shortage and will be monitoring the market closely to prevent any black-marketing."

Foundries face serious shortage

The crisis has also reached Kolhapur's industrial sector, particularly its 400+ foundry units. While many units have shifted to piped LPG, several still rely on cylinders, and both categories are reporting shortages. In foundries, LPG is preferred over electricity for melting metals due to the precision and control it offers.

Surendra Jain, a foundry owner and former chairman of the Shiroli MIDC Manufacturers Association, warned of production delays. "If the shortage worsens, foundries may be forced to switch to diesel. This supply crunch is likely to impact production schedules and lead to delayed deliveries. LPG is essential for treatment furnaces used in steel casting," Jain said.

LPG is also vital for the tool-making industry. When combined with oxygen, it allows for clean metal cutting, eliminating the need for mechanical cutters.