New Delhi. The impact of ongoing wars and geopolitical tensions in many parts of the world has now reached your kitchen. Due to the disruption in the oil and gas supply chain globally, reports of shortage of LPG cylinders and delays in delivery have become common. But amidst this crisis, another big problem is raising its head – ‘illegal recovery’. Consumers from many parts of the country are complaining that gas agencies and delivery boys are charging more than the prescribed price, or are showing the cylinder as ‘delivered’ in the system without delivering it.

Attention Asking even ₹ 1 more than the fixed price is a legal offense

Gas cylinder prices are decided by the government and oil companies (IOCL, BPCL, HPCL). This already includes the ‘delivery charge’ for refilling and delivering it to your home. If a delivery boy demands extra money from you in the name of tip or extra charge, it is completely illegal.

If the agency doesn’t listen then knock on the door, action will be taken immediately

Often people do not complain due to the fear that their connection may be disconnected or there may be further delay in getting the cylinder next time. But the rules are for your safety. If your gas agency is not listening to you, you can follow these steps:

• Contact the company directly: Go to the official portal of your gas company (Indane, Bharat Gas or HP).

• National Consumer Helpline (NCH): You can register your complaint by calling the helpline of the Ministry of Consumer Affairs.

• Use of Social Media: Nowadays, by tagging the Petroleum Ministry and companies on Twitter (X) and complaining, one gets a very quick solution.

Save these toll-free numbers in your phone, complaint will be registered within minutes

Making a complaint online is the fastest and transparent way. If you wish to express your views via phone, major gas companies have issued special helpline numbers:

• Indane Helpline: 1800-233-3555

• Bharat Gas Helpline: 1800-22-4344

• HP Gas Helpline: 1800-233-3555

When filing a complaint, always Consumer ID, booking number and gas agency name Keep ready. If you have any digital evidence or message asking for extra money, preserve it as evidence.

How to deal with delivery delays and ‘fake deliveries’?

Many users complain that the cylinder did not reach home and the message ‘Successfully Delivered’ came on the mobile. In such a situation, immediately report ‘non-delivery’ to customer care. In the era of Digital India, now you can also track the status of your complaint. Remember, your silence only emboldens the middlemen and black marketeers. Be alert and use your rights.