Phulbani: Residents of Kandhamal district headquarters are facing acute hardship due to an ongoing shortage of LPG cylinders. Long queues of customers have been seen standing outside the Phulbani Gas Agency godown from 8 AM till 2 PM under intense summer heat.
Women and men alike were forced to wait for hours in the blazing sun. A gas-laden vehicle was reportedly scheduled to arrive from Jatni, but it had not reached even by 2 PM.
Locals alleged that while consumers suffered in the heat, the Supply Officer remained seated comfortably in his air-conditioned chamber, showing little concern for the public’s difficulties.
Despite the government’s claim of “no shortage of LPG”, the ground reality in Phulbani tells a different story. Speaking to the media, Santosh Kumar Digal, former member of Khauti Bibada Pratikar Manch, questioned the supply system and asked how people would get cylinders if the plant failed to deliver on time.
Senior members of the public, including M.D. Giauddin, founder of Kshipra Nyayik Manch, and General Secretary (an advocate), have drawn the attention of the district administration through the media. They pointed out that for nearly 12,000 consumers in the area, merely two truckloads of gas per week are grossly insufficient.
Many consumers complained that even after booking cylinders 15 days in advance, they are yet to receive them. Meanwhile, questions are being raised about how hotels and restaurants are regularly getting domestic cylinders. Reports of large quantities (up to 30 cylinders) being supplied for wedding functions have also sparked public anger.
In the black market, LPG gas is being sold at exorbitant rates of ₹250 to ₹300 per kg.
Locals have strongly criticised the Supply Department for its alleged inaction and “Kumbhakarna-like sleep”. There are also allegations of possible collusion in the black marketing of cylinders.
People have demanded immediate raids to curb black marketing and have urged the Vigilance Department to take serious note of the matter and initiate necessary action against those involved.