Ranchi: The ongoing LPG crisis in the city escalated on Friday, as residents of Chutia area staged a protest and blocked a road, disrupting traffic movement throughout the day.Frustrated over prolonged delays in LPG cylinder supply — even more than a month after their last delivery — consumers took to the streets against a distributor.
Residents claimed they had queued up through Thursday night in anticipation of receiving cylinders on Friday morning. However, when delivery vehicles failed to arrive, angry consumers blocked the road, demanding immediate supply.Puran Chandra Mahto, one of the protesters, said he had been trying to get a cylinder for the past week. “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,” he said.People of all age groups, including children, were seen standing in long queues in hopes of getting cylinders.Residents also alleged that despite booking cylinders as per guidelines and being eligible for refills, the distributor was demanding exorbitant prices.“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,” alleged another protester, Ram Avatar Sonkar.Repeated attempts to contact the distributor for comment went unanswered.Ranchi deputy commissioner Manjunath Bhajantri said the district administration had not received any formal complaint. “Friday was a holiday, so no complaints have been registered. However, we will look into the matter. The administration is closely monitoring the LPG situation and taking action against any malpractice,” he said.With no cylinders available for an extended period, residents said they have been forced to resort to traditional cooking methods. “For the past week, we have been cooking using firewood. It has added the burden of collecting wood daily, affecting our routine work,” said Suman Devi, another protester.