Patna LPG Crisis Deepens with Alleged Ghost Bookings and Fake Deliveries
Despite repeated assurances from district authorities, residents of Patna are confronting mounting difficulties in securing LPG cylinder refills. A disturbing pattern of alleged ghost bookings and fraudulent delivery notifications has emerged, compounding the struggles of households already grappling with basic necessities.
Widespread Anger Over Systemic Irregularities
Numerous Patna citizens report receiving SMS alerts confirming cylinder delivery on specific dates, only to find no gas ever arrives at their homes. This discrepancy has ignited widespread frustration and accusations of serious malpractice within the supply chain.
Consumers describe a troubling cycle: after booking a refill, they get automated messages stating delivery occurred, yet no delivery personnel appear. Their cylinder status inexplicably shows as delivered, sometimes blocking further bookings for months. Alarmingly, some residents claim cylinders are marked as delivered without any booking request from their side.
Voices from the Affected: Senior Citizens and Remote Families Suffer
Sunny Sahsi, an Ishopur resident, highlighted the dual problem of non-delivery and unauthorized bookings. "The gas agency office is not responding to calls. Also, a cylinder was marked from my account earlier without any booking from my side. This is a serious issue that demands proper investigation," he asserted.
Raj Kumar Gupta, who manages his elderly parents' needs from Shimla while they live alone in Mithapur, Patna, shared a harrowing account. His bed-ridden father and 60-plus mother depend on timely deliveries. "The cylinder I booked for them was never delivered, but I received a message claiming it was. I've tweeted to the oil company, called the agency—no response. The vendor switches off the phone. This creates real panic for senior citizens living alone," Gupta explained.
He further alleged that agencies book cylinders autonomously without consumer requests, recording fake deliveries to misuse domestic cylinders for commercial purposes, even overcharging those who don't seek subsidies.
Additional Cases Highlight Systemic Failures
Renu Singh of Keshari Nagar, another senior citizen, faces similar obstacles. "I tried to book but a message showed my last refill was delivered on March 19, with next booking only after April 23. I never booked or received any cylinder on that date. Being a senior citizen, I'm unable to fight with the agency and feel helpless," she lamented.
Abhishek Kumar from Nawada village in Phulwarisharif booked a refill on March 5, received a delivery message on March 23, but got no cylinder. "Now it shows the order is completed, with next booking after April 18," he stated.
Shashi Kumar Jha of Agamkuan pointed out timing discrepancies: "I received my cylinder on March 11, but the app says next refill is only after April 16. Guidelines allow booking after 25 days, so why 35 days?"
Call for Accountability and Resolution
The collective grievances underscore a breakdown in the LPG distribution system in Patna, with vulnerable populations like the elderly and isolated families bearing the brunt. Residents are urging thorough investigations into these alleged ghost bookings and fake deliveries to restore trust and ensure reliable access to essential cooking fuel.
