LPG crisis leaves Sattari in a lurch

Valpoi: A severe shortage of domestic LPG cylinders has triggered widespread anger across villages in Sattari taluka. Several consumers accused the HP gas agency in Sanquelim of prolonged delays, poor communication, and failure to address mounting grievances.

The agency has also suspended further bookings for new or additional gas connections, with customers being turned away from the office. As a result, many consumers also gathered outside the Sanquelim office demanding answers.Residents alleged that even after booking cylinders, they have not received the mandatory OTP required for delivery—leaving them helpless as delivery personnel refuse to hand over cylinders without verification.

The agency’s contact number has gone unanswerable, which has made it impossible for customers to check booking status or seek clarification. “We are left in the dark. No OTP, no delivery, and no response from the office,” said an aggrieved resident.An official from the agency, speaking anonymously, admitted to a shortage of refilled cylinders. “Even consumers who booked two months ago are still waiting. We are trying our best to manage the situation,” the official said. Addressing the OTP issue, the official pointed out that most complaints are coming from users with BSNL numbers, suggesting possible network-related problems. He also confirmed that the agency is currently following a 35-day gap policy between deliveries, instead of the 25-day cycle.The extension has disrupted household routines, particularly for families dependent on a single cylinder.