Bengaluru Apartment Complex's LPG Rationing Proposal Sparks Outcry, Later Withdrawn
Residents of Mantri Espana, an apartment complex located in Bellandur, Bengaluru, were informed on Wednesday that the supply of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) within the community would be restricted to fixed hours starting from March 13. However, this proposal was swiftly withdrawn after residents raised significant concerns and the Times of India sought clarification from the apartment association.
Gas Supply Concerns Prompt Initial Rationing Plan
In a message circulated to residents, the management committee explained that the complex typically consumes around 25 LPG cylinders per week but had only 12 cylinders in stock at the time. Although an additional 22 cylinders were expected from vendors, the association noted that supplies remained uncertain. To manage this potential scarcity, they proposed rationing gas usage to ensure the available stock lasted longer.
The plan involved limiting gas supply through the central pipeline system to two specific time windows each day: from 5 am to 9 am and from 6 pm to 9 pm. Residents were also encouraged to reduce their gas consumption and utilize alternative cooking appliances such as induction stoves, rice cookers, and microwaves wherever possible.
Resident Reaction and Community Discussion
The announcement triggered immediate discussion and worry among residents on community groups. One resident expressed surprise, stating, "We were taken aback when the message came. None of us heard of other apartment complexes in the area restricting gas supply, so naturally people were concerned about what exactly was happening."
Apartment association president Vartika Chopra clarified that the idea was discussed as a precautionary measure because the complex relies on commercial LPG supplied through a central pipeline system. "This was not an unplanned or unilateral decision, but a step taken to rationalise and curb scarcity, given that the supply and its limited sources were brought to our attention. We will follow the lead of other residential societies," she explained.
Withdrawal of the Proposal
Following the resident backlash and media inquiries, the apartment association decided to withdraw the rationing proposal. The move highlights the importance of community feedback in such decisions and underscores the challenges faced by residential complexes in managing essential resources like LPG amid supply uncertainties.
