LPG Shortage Triggers IndianOil App Boom, Overtakes ChatGPT on Play Store
LPG Shortage Triggers IndianOil App Boom, Overtakes ChatGPT on Play Store
LPG shortages spark a surge in the IndianOil ONE app, topping the Play Store amid widespread booking glitches as authorities promise steady supply.
In a striking turn of events, India's LPG crisis has pushed the IndianOil ONE app to the top of the Google Play Store, even surpassing OpenAI's ChatGPT app, as households scramble to book cooking gas cylinders.
Users report repeated errors across apps, websites, IVRS lines and WhatsApp channels, with bookings failing and orders getting cancelled. The official Indane website has been down at times, and automated call bookings sometimes disconnect with a system error message.
The emergency is not limited to households. Restaurants and small food businesses rely on regular LPG refills, and delays are forcing price hikes or menu cuts.
Government officials say the Centre is monitoring the situation closely and has put in place arrangements to ensure uninterrupted LPG supply, especially for industries and commercial establishments. Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, pledged ongoing oversight.
Early estimates put panic bookings around 88 lakh, while authorities emphasise that supply to commercial users is being prioritized. India is the world's second-largest LPG consumer, importing about 90% of its needs, which underscores the fragility of the supply chain.
Analysts note that while tech platforms are seeing unprecedented demand, service disruptions highlight the need for resilient logistics, and some employers have already adopted work-from-home measures in related sectors. Some firms have announced temporary work-from-home setups in the tech sector, while Infosys trimmed its on-site food menu.
The situation remains dynamic, with authorities urging patience and businesses preparing contingency plans for steady supply.
