Patna's Domestic Gas Supply Crisis Shows No Signs of Abating
Despite repeated assurances from the Patna district administration that the situation is gradually improving, the city's domestic gas supply remains in a state of disarray. Official claims of declining LPG cylinder bookings and thinning crowds at distribution centers starkly contradict the ground reality, where consumers continue to face severe shortages and extended delivery delays.
Consumers Face Prolonged Delays and Stock Shortages
Long, winding queues have become a common sight outside gas godowns across Patna, with delivery delays now stretching into several days. Many frustrated consumers allege that even after making bookings well in advance, their cylinders remain undelivered due to persistent stock shortages and what they describe as repeated excuses from vendors.
As early as 7 AM on Wednesday, people were seen standing in extensive lines outside a gas agency in Naya Tola. These consumers reported that although their booking numbers were generated days earlier, they still had not received their LPG cylinders, highlighting the significant gap between booking confirmation and actual delivery.
Avinash Suman, a resident of Patna, took to social media platform X to voice his grievance, stating that he had booked a cylinder from an agency in Anisabad five days prior. According to Suman, the vendor continued to cite non-availability of stock as the reason for the delay, leaving his household without essential cooking fuel.
Official Narrative Contradicts Consumer Experiences
In contrast to these widespread complaints, the official X handle of the Patna district administration has been actively sharing testimonials from satisfied consumers, attempting to project a smoother supply experience. Residents Munna and Khushbu Kumari from Phulwari Sharif reported receiving their cylinders within three days of booking, noting that a simple phone call helped them obtain refills.
These conflicting accounts underscore the varied consumer experiences across different parts of the city, suggesting that while some areas may be seeing improvement, others remain severely affected by the ongoing crisis.
Administration's Response and Statistics
District Magistrate Thiyagarajan S M maintained that reports from gas agencies indicate a gradual decline in bookings and thinning crowds at distributorships. "These trends suggest there is no longer a panic situation, and consumers are booking refills as per actual requirements, which is a positive development," he stated.
The DM convened a high-level meeting on Wednesday with 75 ward councillors of the Patna Municipal Corporation (PMC) and senior officials to brief them on cylinder booking and delivery protocols. He announced that PMC vehicles, with support from ward councillors, would be deployed to spread awareness about the supply chain in an effort to further stabilize the situation.
During this crucial meeting, the DM issued strict instructions to register immediate FIRs and arrest individuals involved in any complaints of black marketing, hoarding, or overcharging related to LPG cylinders.
Scale of the Crisis and Official Priorities
According to official data from the district administration, Patna currently has 136 gas agencies serving a consumer base of 16.65 lakh people. The statistics reveal that over 6.89 lakh bookings have been made so far, with an average of 35,000 to 40,000 LPG cylinder bookings recorded daily across the city.
District Magistrate Thiyagarajan emphasized that reducing the delivery backlog is now the administration's top priority. He urged citizens to avoid overbooking, warning that such practices put additional pressure on the already strained system and significantly hamper stabilization efforts.
The ongoing crisis highlights the challenges in balancing official narratives with ground realities, as Patna's residents continue to navigate the complexities of securing essential cooking fuel amid conflicting reports about the actual state of LPG supply in the city.
