A disruption in LPG cylinder supply has caused concern among consumers in Patna and various Bihar districts, impacting households and the hospitality sector. Residents attribute this situation to the conflict in Iran, resulting in shortages and long queues at gas stations across the state.
The hospitality industry is particularly affected, with reports indicating a near halt in the supply of commercial LPG cylinders in many areas. In Patna alone, where 4,000-5,000 commercial cylinders are needed daily, restaurant owners are facing a lack of fresh supplies, leading to temporary closures or reduced operations.
Restaurant owners like Rohit Kumar in Patliputra Colony are compelled to limit their menus due to the shortage, affecting customer turnout and earnings. Similarly, confectionery shops and small eateries are also impacted, with some considering closure if the supply situation does not improve soon.
Amid complaints, a domestic LPG consumer in Digha lodged a complaint against a delivery boy for non-delivery despite records showing otherwise. This led to an FIR against the delivery boy, marking the first such case in the area related to alleged irregularities in LPG supply.
Patna District Magistrate Tyagarajan S. M. assured that the administration is actively monitoring the situation, intensifying enforcement measures to combat black marketing and hoarding. Enforcement squads have been deployed at the block level to conduct inspections and address consumer complaints, ensuring that LPG consumers are not inconvenienced.
Residents in Patna district are facing challenges in acquiring cylinders, reporting unanswered calls to distributors and delays in fresh supplies. Despite Indian Oil Corporation officials denying a cylinder shortage, panic buying and rumors continue to fuel the crisis-like situation in various districts beyond Patna.
