Noida LPG Crisis Intensifies as Long Queues Persist at Gas Agencies
Long queues continued to form outside LPG gas agencies across Noida on Monday, highlighting a severe shortage of cylinders in the city. In response, the district administration has taken decisive action by deploying magistrates to oversee cylinder distribution and manage the growing crowds. This move aims to streamline supply and maintain order during the ongoing crisis.
Administrative Measures to Tackle Distribution Issues
Officials confirmed that 14 magistrates have been assigned to monitor operations at 62 gas agencies throughout the district. Each magistrate is responsible for inspecting four to five agencies to ensure orderly distribution and prevent any irregularities. A senior district official explained that this initiative was ordered by the district magistrate to address the chaotic situation at gas agencies.
"Magistrates have been deputed at major gas agencies to supervise the distribution process," the official stated. "They are ensuring that booked cylinders are delivered properly and that crowd management is maintained." Despite these efforts, residents reported significant delays and long waits, with some queues stretching for hours.
Residents Struggle Amid Cylinder Shortages
Outside a gas agency in Sector 5, dozens of people were seen standing in queues, some having waited since the previous evening. Naresh, a daily-wage worker from Sector 8, shared his ordeal: "I booked a cylinder on March 13 but still haven't received it. My family ran out of gas, so I have been standing in the queue for almost 24 hours."
A woman waiting at the same agency added that she had taken leave from work to secure a cylinder. "I work at a factory in Sector 4. There is no gas at home, so I took leave today and have been standing here for hours hoping to get one," she said. These accounts underscore the widespread impact of the LPG shortage on daily life in Noida.
Ghaziabad Cracks Down on Hoarding and Black Marketing
Meanwhile, the Ghaziabad administration has intensified its efforts to combat alleged hoarding and black marketing of LPG cylinders. During a raid in Modinagar, officials from the supply department seized 14 domestic LPG cylinders from a shop in Nahal village. District Supply Officer Amit Tiwari revealed that the cylinders were being stored illegally and were suspected to be intended for sale at inflated prices.
"Of the 14 cylinders recovered, eight were partially filled," Tiwari noted. An FIR has been registered at Bhojpur police station under the Essential Commodities Act against the shop owner for illegal storage of domestic gas cylinders. This marks the second such case reported in Ghaziabad in the past three days, prompting authorities to ramp up inspections to curb hoarding and black marketing activities.
Ongoing Challenges and Future Steps
The deployment of magistrates in Noida and the crackdown in Ghaziabad reflect the administration's proactive approach to managing the LPG crisis. However, the persistent queues and reports of delays indicate that supply chain issues remain a significant challenge. Authorities are urging residents to cooperate with the new measures and report any instances of malpractice to help stabilize the situation.
As the crisis unfolds, the focus remains on ensuring fair distribution and preventing exploitation during this period of high demand. The district administration continues to monitor the situation closely, with plans for further interventions if necessary to alleviate the hardships faced by residents.
