Lokmat News Network
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar
Gas agencies in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar have begun strictly enforcing an existing rule: if customers refuse delivery even after the cylinder reaches their doorstep, the agency waits for 10 days and then cancels the booking.
The trigger is panic booking. What was once around 1,000 daily bookings at one agency has surged to 3,500. That means nearly 2,500 bookings every single day are unnecessary cylinders reaching doorsteps and being turned away, delivery boys returning loaded, and genuinely needy consumers left waiting in a queue that should not exist.
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Why this rule, why now
Consumers fearing a market shortage have been booking cylinders in advance even when their existing one is far from empty. This artificial demand has choked the distribution chain, delayed supply to urgent consumers, and created a backlog that agencies are struggling to manage.
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What changes for you
A booking is now valid for 10 days only. If delivery is not accepted within that window, the booking is cancelled and the customer must rebook. However, on rebooking, the cylinder will be delivered immediately. Importantly, if the delay is on the agency or supply side, no action will be taken against the customer. The cancellation applies only when the customer refuses or postpones delivery.
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Precautions for consumers
Book only when your existing cylinder is nearing empty. Keep payment ready cash or online. Ensure your address and contact details are updated for smooth delivery.
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“Rebooking ensures immediate delivery”
“Earlier, our agency received around 1,000 bookings daily. Recently, the number has surged to 3,500 due to panic booking meaning nearly 2,500 bookings are unnecessary. If customers refuse delivery even after the cylinder reaches their doorstep, we wait 10 days and then cancel the booking. This helps control panic booking,” said Saurabh Kedare, gas agency owner.