Jamshedpur: Consumers of domestic LPG cylinders across the Kolhan region continue to face problems with many reporting delays of 10–11 days after booking.Soma Halder, a working professional from Jamshedpur, said, “I booked a cylinder 10 days ago but have yet to receive it. When I call the IOCL gas agency to inquire about the status, they do not answer. I don’t know what I will do once my current cylinder runs out.”Seema Singh, a banker from Adityapur, said, “According to social media posts by PSU oil companies, domestic supply is fully normal, but the ground reality is very different. I booked a cylinder 11 days ago with a BPCL agency and still haven’t received delivery. Touts outside the agency told me they could provide a cylinder at twice the original price. One of my neighbours was forced to buy from them after running out of cooking fuel. The Centre had promised delivery within 2.5 days of booking.”
Mohan Sahu, a tea stall owner from Chaibasa, said, “I don’t have a commercial LPG cylinder and rely on domestic gas. Due to the delay, I have been forced to keep my shop closed. I booked a cylinder 12 days ago and am still waiting. I cannot afford to pay three times the price in the black market. Moreover, the agency is not delivering cylinders to doorsteps.”Acting on a tip-off, the West Singhbhum district administration conducted raids at several locations to nab those involved in LPG black marketing. SDO (Sadar), Chaibasa, Anurag Toppo, said, “Multiple areas were raided on Saturday to catch those refilling smaller cylinders from domestic LPG cylinders and selling them on the black market at higher prices. A total of 14 domestic cylinders were seized during the raids, some of which were empty. Equipment used for refilling was also confiscated.”The administration has issued a stern warning that strict action will be taken against those involved in black marketing, with raids set to continue in the coming days.Notably, following complaints from consumers, the East Singhbhum district administration conducted similar raids last week in Jamshedpur. Operations were also carried out in the Adityapur area.