Acute Shortage of LPG hits consumer alleged harassment by dealer (!)
Manoj Kanta Dash,Odishabarta
Balasore/Berhampur:An ‘acute shortage’ of LPG cylinders has been reported across several parts of odisha, with supply disruptions linked to the ongoing war in the Middle East affecting the availability of cooking gas.
Showing the reason taking advantage one step ahead The distributor are teaching to the literate consumers (!)
LPG Shortage Hits Aahar Centres ,hospital, small medium business establishment in , Students Hostels.
The situation has left poor, low-income groups and students struggling for affordable meals.
With hotels shutting down due to the unavailability of commercial LPG cylinders and others hiking food prices, hundreds of people are turning to Aahar centres. Students living in hostels and messes are among the worst affected, as 5 kg LPG refills are unavailable, forcing them to depend on the Rs 5 rice and dalma meals at these centres.
The severe shortage of LPG cylinders has reportedly gripped especially in odishas’tribal population district, leaving thousands of households struggling to meet their daily cooking needs.
in urban and rural area residents allege that despite making regular bookings, local LPG dealers have failed to ensure timely delivery of cooking gas cylinders. They claimed that the gap between supply and demand has widened significantly over the past few weeks, with many waiting for over 15 to 25 days after booking, with no clear communication regarding delivery schedules.
Bharat Jena a retired officer from Balasore one harassed consumer stating to our reporter after his online booking and in receipt of his delivery coupon when failed to get his refill he regular coming to showroom and making queue from morning 6 AM. When requested to the counter manager to know the deliver status? We have no stock wait, we didn’t informed yet that you have got the deliver coupon? Replied rudely.
Adding to the crisis are serious allegations of black marketing. Locals assert that LPG cylinders are being diverted and sold at inflated prices in the black market, forcing desperate consumers to pay much more than the subsidised rate.
“We are left with no option, either we wait endlessly or pay extra to get a cylinder,” said a resident.
Public anger has also intensified over allegations of a nexus between inspecting officials and dealers. Mainly everywhere Sambalpur, Balaore, Sundergarh, Ganjam.Kalahandi, Nabaangpur district residents accused authorities of turning a blind eye to the malpractice, allowing the illegal trade to flourish unchecked. Complaints lodged by consumers have reportedly failed to yield any concrete action so far, they claimed.
Despite rising demand, authorities have not yet announced immediate measures to increase supply. Public dissatisfaction is growing as the LPG shortage continues to strain Aahar centres in the major cities. Observers warn that if the crisis prolongs, it could severely impact the poor and student communities. On television screen Minister of food and Supplies assuring not to be panic we have adequate stock(?).
