IndianOil’s LPG booking app, IndianOil One has now overtaken OpenAI’s ChatGPT on the Google Plat Store in India. This change is driven by the sudden surge in the demand as households are dealing with LPG shortages. The app now sits at top of the free downloaded charts, suggesting how essential utility services can outpace the global tech favourites when supply disruptions hit everyday life. The shortage, linked to supply disruptions from the West Asia conflict, has led consumers to rely heavily on digital platforms for booking and tracking LPG cylinders. IndianOil ONE allows users to manage refills, monitor delivery status, and request new connections, making it indispensable during the crisis.
Other oil company apps, including HP Pay and HelloBPCL, have also seen a sharp rise in downloads as customers seek reliable ways to secure cooking gas. ChatGPT, which had dominated app charts since its launch, was displaced as utility needs took precedence over AI experimentation. Analysts note this shift underscores how geopolitical events can reshape consumer tech trends, pushing practical apps ahead of global AI platforms.
LPG crisis in India
Amid rising tensions in the middle east following the conflict between Iran, Israel and the US, concerns around LPG supply disruptions have increased, especially in India. While the government has prioritized domestic natural gas allocation for LPG production, compressed natural gas (CNG), and piped cooking gas, some restrictions have been placed on commercial LPG supply. Due to the ongoing crisis many IT companies in the country have also issued advisory for their staff.
Recently, Infosys has sent an advisory to its employees informing them about changes to the food-court menu. Similarly, HCLTech has reportedly asked its employees in the Chennai office to work from home.
Infosys has issued advisories to its employees working in locations – Bengaluru, Pune and Chennai stating that the campus’ food court operations will be affected due to the LPG shortage. Infosys has also asked its employees to bring food from home. “As you may be aware, we are amid an impending situation regarding availability of commercial LPG. Owing to this, our food-court operations will be realigned effective March 12. Certain offerings will be limited, including withdrawal of live counter options, until further notice,” an advisory sent to the Bengaluru employees reads.
Accoridng to a Livemint report, HCLTech has advised its staff at the Chennai office to work from home on 12–13 March. Quoting an unnamed executive, the report says that several cafeteria vendors in the company’s Chennai campus were unable to operate due to the ongoing LPG crunch in the country.
