Karnal, March 12: A technical breakdown in the online LPG booking system caused significant disruption across Karnal on Thursday, forcing hundreds of residents to queue at gas agencies for several hours. The disruption coincided with heightening anxiety over the West Asia conflict, which has prompted many consumers to engage in panic buying despite government assurances of stable supplies.
“I have been standing here since 8 am, but there is still no clarity on when we will get the cylinder,” stated Ramveer, a local resident. Other consumers, including Vikas Kumar, noted that the absence of a functional digital system left staff unable to manage the crowds effectively. The uncertainty has even prompted some families to suggest that the government restore kerosene supplies through the Public Distribution System as a temporary backup.
The impact has extended to the local hospitality sector, where dhaba and restaurant owners are struggling to maintain operations. Some establishments have reportedly limited their menus or stopped serving tea and coffee to conserve remaining fuel. In response to the crisis, sales of induction cooktops have surged across the district as residents seek alternative cooking methods.
District Food and Supply Controller (DFSC) Mukesh Kumar met with distributors to address the situation, ordering them to submit daily stock reports. He maintained that cylinders must only be issued after proper e-KYC verification to prevent hoarding. Additionally, Deputy Commissioner Uttam Singh appealed for calm, asserting that the district possesses sufficient stocks of petrol, diesel, and LPG.
