Patna: Residents across Patna and nearby Danapur say they are facing a worsening cooking gas crisis, with many households still unable to receive LPG cylinders even after waiting for more than a month since booking. The shortage has triggered anger among customers who claim they are being forced to spend hours standing in queues outside gas agencies without any assurance of delivery. Despite reports of easing international tensions following the ceasefire between Iran and the United States, the supply situation on the ground appears unchanged for ordinary families dependent on LPG for daily cooking.
On Friday, tensions escalated outside an HP Gas agency in Rukanpura under the Rupaspur police station area on the outskirts of Patna. Dozens of customers gathered at the agency and protested against what they described as complete administrative failure in managing cylinder distribution. According to residents, neither the agency owner nor its management staff were able to explain why deliveries had been delayed for weeks. Customers accused the agency of repeatedly postponing supply dates while offering no clear information about when cylinders would finally reach households struggling to manage without cooking gas.
Several residents alleged that they have been reporting to the agency as early as 4am in the hope of securing a cylinder, only to return home empty-handed by noon. Women, elderly residents and daily wage workers were seen waiting in long lines under the heat as frustration mounted over the continuing shortage. Some customers claimed that they had booked cylinders nearly one and a half months ago but had still not received any delivery. Families said they were being pushed toward costly alternatives such as buying food from outside or relying on temporary cooking arrangements, increasing financial pressure on already stretched household budgets.
As the crowd grew agitated, the Bihar Police were informed about the situation, following which officers from the Rupaspur police station arrived at the agency to calm customers and hold discussions with both residents and agency representatives. Police officials assured people that efforts were being made to address the issue and restore regular supply. However, for many residents in Patna’s suburban areas, the assurances have done little to ease concern, as uncertainty over essential household fuel continues to disrupt daily life across the region.
