Govt’s ‘All Is Well’ LPG Claim Boomerangs

Nagpur: Mounting chaos over LPG supplies has triggered sharp criticism of the govt and oil marketing companies, with citizens, hoteliers and distributors accusing authorities of projecting an "all is well" narrative even as the situation on the ground suggests otherwise.Amid panic among domestic consumers, difficulties in booking cylinders and a severe shortage of commercial LPG, several stakeholders said the lack of clear communication from authorities has only heightened anxiety among the public. People associated with the LPG trade, as well as consumers, said greater transparency from the govt and oil companies would help citizens and businesses plan instead of being left uncertain about when the next cylinder will arrive.Jayprakash Tiwari, President of the Maharashtra chapter of Distributors Association of India, said distributors themselves were in the dark about supply plans. "The govt and oil companies must be transparent and give clarity. Currently, everyone is focusing on pushing the narrative that all is well or the country has ample stock of domestic LPG. However, recent events — including the crisis of commercial cylinders and the collapse of the booking system — have created confusion. Even oil companies are not letting distributors in on their plans, even though we face the public on the ground and have no answers to their most important question: When will I get a cylinder?" he said.Several residents said inconsistent and confusing information about LPG availability triggered panic among consumers already struggling with booking issues.Hoteliers warned that the crisis could severely impact restaurants and eateries dependent on commercial LPG cylinders.Hotelier Sharique Hafeez said official assurances of adequate domestic LPG stock ignored the difficulties faced by the hospitality sector.Stakeholders said unless authorities provide clear timelines and transparent updates on supply and booking systems, confusion and panic among consumers are likely to persist.