Bookings restored partially in city

Lucknow: The IVRS service for LPG booking was partially restored in the city, bringing some relief to households as long queues outside gas agencies started easing. Several consumers said the restoration of IVRS booking reduced the rush at agency counters, as people were again able to book cylinders by phone. A gas agency owner in Indira Nagar said the situation slightly improved compared to previous week. "Earlier, people had to keep visiting the agency again and again. Now booking through IVRS started, so the lines are shorter," he remarked.An agency employee in Thakurganj said many consumers shifted back to phone booking. "People are trying IVRS again, so the crowd outside the office reduced," he noted.Despite this improvement for domestic consumers, the situation remains difficult for eateries and small food businesses that rely on commercial LPG cylinders. Owners of small hotels and roadside eateries said restrictions on commercial LPG supply disrupted their routine, forcing them to try alternatives such as earthen bhattis and coal-based angithis.Rafiq Ahmed, who runs a tea and snack stall in Aminabad, said the alternatives are not practical during peak hours. "We tried using a coal stove, but it takes too long to heat. During rush hours, it becomes very difficult to serve customers," he explained.President of the Hotel and Restaurant Owners Association Surendra Sharma, who runs a hotel in Charbagh, said electrical options cannot match the speed of LPG cooking.