Gas cylinder without OTP now impossible

Lokmat News Network

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar

Mandatory 100 per cent OTP authentication for domestic LPG delivery has disrupted the city’s gas distribution network. After BPCL, HP and IOC enforced the rule on Friday, distributors reported mounting technical and operational hurdles.

The LPG Distributors Association held an urgent meeting and sought immediate administrative intervention, citing a rising waiting list and delivery delays. With the district supply officer on leave, a memorandum was sent via WhatsApp. A joint meeting with officials is scheduled on April 5. Distributors flagged multiple issues: most connections are in men’s names who are often away, making OTP access difficult for women and elderly; industrial workers cannot receive OTPs as phones are deposited at factory gates; many customers have outdated or frequently changed mobile numbers, especially in rural and slum areas; number updates take 90–180 days; OTP failures due to no recharge or BSNL network issues; some delivery staff face smartphone handling problems; software errors; incomplete e-KYC; bookings exceeding deliveries, leading to backlog, long queues, and unnecessary bookings; and customers refusing delivery without an empty cylinder, further increasing pending orders. The association has demanded temporary relaxation of the 95 per cent OTP compliance norm, proposing 50 per cent implementation initially with a 15-day window to clear pending bookings and stabilise distribution.

- Mangesh Aswar, office bearer, LPG Distributors Association