Hyderabad pipeline gas shortage hits gated communities
HYDERABAD: Pipeline gas, which offers round-the-clock fuel without cylinder changes, is now troubling residents of gated communities. The ongoing conflict in West Asia has disrupted the global liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) supply chain, affecting high-rise apartments and villa projects across the city.
Nearly 1,500 gated communities with about 4.5 lakh to 5 lakh flats depend largely on centralised gas banks. Areas such as Gachibowli, Madhapur, Kondapur, Narsingi and Tellapur are among those facing supply stress.
Large housing projects operate reticulated gas systems with 20 to 100 bulk cylinders and large storage tanks in each gas bank. Oil companies usually supply LPG in bulk directly to these facilities. However, tankers that earlier arrived twice a week are now delayed by 10 to 15 days, leading to falling reserves in communities with 500–1,000 flats.
Bulk price rise pushes unit cost, dealers seek service charges
With oil companies raising LPG prices, pipeline gas consumers are also facing higher charges. Unit rates have increased by about 10–15 per cent compared with last month.
Residents are paying roughly ₹ 92 to ₹ 105 per kg, including maintenance charges, depending on usage. Dealers are also reportedly demanding additional service charges to ensure faster delivery amid the shortage.
Associations restrict cooking gas use to fixed daily hours
Fearing depletion of reserves, some management committees have imposed restrictions on gas usage. Supply valves are being controlled to allow cooking gas only during morning, afternoon and night hours.
Major gated communities such as My Home Vihanga and Aparna Cyber have already implemented such curbs.
