Dhanbad Residents Stage Road Blockade Over Severe LPG Cylinder Shortage
In a dramatic display of public frustration, hundreds of people staged a road blockade on the Dhanbad–Jharia main road near Bastacola on Tuesday. The protest was organized to highlight a severe LPG crisis that has gripped the area for the past three to four days, leaving consumers struggling to obtain essential cooking gas cylinders.
Growing Public Anger Over Unavailable Supplies
Many residents have been arriving at the local gas agency early in the morning with empty cylinders, only to return home disappointed as supplies remain unavailable. This persistent shortage has led to escalating frustration among the public, who depend on LPG for daily cooking needs.
Rahul Modak, one of the affected consumers, expressed his dismay, stating, "Earlier, cylinders were delivered directly to our homes after booking, but now people are being forced to stand in long queues with no guarantee of getting a cylinder."
Allegations of Mismanagement and Black Marketing
Locals have leveled serious allegations of mismanagement and black marketing at the agency. Residents claim that agency staff are deliberately creating an artificial shortage to sell cylinders at inflated prices.
According to protesters, an extra amount ranging between Rs 300 and Rs 500 is being charged per cylinder above the official rate. This alleged profiteering has exacerbated the crisis, making essential cooking fuel inaccessible to many households.
Protest Disrupts Traffic, Police Intervene
A large crowd gathered near the gas agency from early Tuesday morning, voicing their grievances and disrupting traffic on the busy Dhanbad–Jharia route for nearly half an hour. The protest caused significant inconvenience to commuters and highlighted the depth of public discontent.
Local police personnel quickly reached the spot to manage the situation. Through persuasion and dialogue, they managed to disperse the crowd and restore normal traffic flow. However, the underlying issues of LPG availability and alleged malpractices remain unresolved.
The protest underscores the critical nature of the LPG shortage in Dhanbad, with residents demanding immediate action to ensure regular supply and curb black marketing practices that are compounding their difficulties.
