Hyderabad residents struggle to get new LPG connections
HYDERABAD: An undeclared freeze on new domestic liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) connections continues across Greater Hyderabad, leaving residents struggling to secure cooking gas connections.
Until the US-Iran war, gas agencies competed to offer new connections. The situation has since reversed, with agencies not issuing new connections for nearly three months.
Dealers said oil companies were not permitting new domestic LPG connections in view of the war. This comes even as consumers are being told there is no shortage of cooking gas.
New households turn to electric cooking alternatives
Newly married couples, families setting up separate households and people who have moved to Hyderabad for jobs or studies are among those trying to secure new LPG connections.
With connections unavailable, residents said they were being forced to depend on induction stoves and electric rice cookers, increasing their electricity bills.
Greater Hyderabad currently has 33.5 lakh LPG connections and 325 gas agencies.
Second-cylinder applications also remain pending
Consumers seeking a second cylinder are also unable to get one. Dealers said they were acting according to instructions from oil companies.
Consumers said they have to wait seven to 10 days for a refill after a cylinder runs out, forcing them to rely on alternative cooking arrangements in the interim.
Dealers said there was no clarity on when new LPG connections and second cylinders would be issued again.
Demand for new connections continues in Kondapur, Narsingi, KPHB Colony and Uppal.
