Ranchi LPG Crisis Intensifies as Residents Stage Road Blockade Over Cylinder Shortage
The simmering LPG crisis in Ranchi reached a boiling point on Friday as residents of the Chutia area took to the streets, blocking a major road in a dramatic protest against severe cylinder supply delays. The demonstration, which disrupted traffic throughout the day, highlighted growing public frustration over a shortage that has left many households without cooking gas for over a month.
Nightlong Queues and Broken Promises Spark Anger
According to eyewitness accounts, residents had queued up through Thursday night, anticipating cylinder deliveries on Friday morning. However, when the promised supply vehicles failed to materialize, their patience snapped. Angry consumers swiftly moved to block the road, demanding immediate action to resolve the crisis.
Puran Chandra Mahto, one of the protesters, shared his ordeal: "I booked a cylinder on March 15, but even after 19 days, I haven't received it. I call the distributor, Indraprastha Gas Agency, every day, but no one answers." His story echoed the experiences of many, with people of all ages, including children, seen standing in long, futile queues.
Allegations of Overcharging and Eligibility Denials
Beyond the delays, residents leveled serious accusations against the distributor. They claimed that despite booking cylinders as per guidelines and being eligible for refills, the agency was demanding exorbitant prices.
Ram Avatar Sonkar alleged: "I last purchased a cylinder on Feb 26. As per norms, I am eligible for a refill, but I'm not getting one. When I contacted the distributor, they demanded Rs 1,500 for a cylinder that normally costs Rs 970." Repeated attempts to contact Indraprastha Gas Agency for comment on these allegations went unanswered.
Administration Response and Impact on Daily Life
Ranchi Deputy Commissioner Manjunath Bhajantri stated that the district administration had not received any formal complaint due to Friday being a holiday. However, he assured: "We will look into the matter. The administration is closely monitoring the LPG situation and taking action against any malpractice."
The prolonged shortage has forced many residents to revert to traditional cooking methods, adding significant hardship. Suman Devi, another protester, explained: "For the past week, we have been cooking using firewood. It has added the burden of collecting wood daily, affecting our routine work."
The protest underscores a deepening public distress over essential commodity supply chains in the region, with calls for urgent intervention to restore normalcy.
