New Delhi, March 12, 2026
In the midst of widespread anxiety over potential LPG shortages linked to global energy disruptions, local gas agencies across India—including those for Indane, Bharat Gas, and HP Gas—have imposed strict new timing restrictions on phone bookings for domestic cylinders. Consumers must now call only between 5 AM and 7 AM in the morning or 8 PM and 12 midnight at night, with bookings suspended for the remaining 13 hours of the day.
Notices posted at agencies state that bookings will be accepted exclusively for consumers whose previous cylinder delivery was at least 25 days ago—a rule recently enforced nationwide to curb hoarding and black marketing amid heightened demand. This 25-day minimum gap, up from the earlier 21 days, aims to ensure equitable distribution as panic buying surges following reports of supply chain strains from the Iran-Israel conflict.
The restrictions come as centralized booking systems for the three major providers have repeatedly crashed over the past few days due to an unprecedented flood of calls and online attempts. Distributors report call volumes spiking 8-10 times normal levels, overwhelming servers and preventing the generation of delivery confirmation numbers (DAC) essential for cylinder dispatch. Without a valid booking reference, agencies cannot release cylinders even when physical stocks are available at warehouses.
In many urban areas, including parts of Delhi and other cities, thousands of frustrated consumers have been seen queuing outside agencies and godowns, carrying empty cylinders in hopes of direct collection. Reports indicate over 50,000 households in some districts are currently without gas, disrupting daily routines from morning tea to evening meals. An estimated one lakh bookings remain stuck in limbo, while another lakh consumers face issues due to incomplete KYC processes.
District nodal officers from Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) and federation representatives have stressed that there is no actual shortage of LPG at the supply level. “Warehouses are full, and domestic production has increased significantly,” said Vinay Kumar, an IOC official. They attribute delays and perceived shortages to unnecessary panic bookings and hoarding, which overload systems and slow deliveries. Once booked, cylinders are typically delivered within 24 hours under normal conditions, though current backlogs extend waits.
The All India LPG Distributors Federation and local associations confirm that while physical stock is adequate for priority domestic use, the server failures have led to crowds at offices. Authorities urge consumers to avoid repeated attempts, use alternative digital methods like apps or portals during off-peak times, and refrain from panic to ease system pressure.
For complaints or assistance:
- Indane and HP Gas: Toll-free 1800-2333-555
- Bharat Gas: Toll-free 1800-22-4344
Officials continue to monitor the situation closely, with government directives prioritizing household supply over commercial needs. As global tensions persist, consumers are advised to book only when genuinely required and check status via official channels to avoid further congestion.
