There is gas crisis both in the commercial and domestic segments. There is no denying it. Two ships with gas have crossed the Strait of Homruz for India. Despite that, there is shortage in the Telugu states.
Meanwhile, the central government has asked the citizens to buy electric stoves and induction cookers to compensate for the shortage. The idea is good and practical.
But the Telugu states continue to face the problem due to lack of discipline. The consumers are booking cylinders even before their cylinders are over. They are also hoarding cylinders as the west Asia war is ongoing.
To add to the woes, there is a dearth of electric stoves and induction cookers. Let alone retail outlets, the e-commerce sites too have run out of stock. In the past, about 2000 electric stoves were sold, but now the sales have hit 2 lakhs daily. The companies are trying hard to meet the demand. But they have their own logistic problems.
The government is asking the citizens not to panic and worsen the situation. But knowing Telugu people, they are already in the panic mode and want to stock up for future. Also those having electric stoves are shying from using electric stoves as the electricity bills could go up by Rs 400 to Rs 500. This will impact the monthly budget of middle-class and lower middle class families.
The LPG ships are stuck at Strait of Homruz and Iran has to allow the passage. If they get permission to cross over, they will take 9 days to reach India according to PTI. Hence, there could be some respite towards the end of March.
But it is important for Telugu households not to hoard gas and show restraint by meal planning and cook in the least possible time.
