Patna: A shortage of LPG cylinders has intensified across parts of Bihar, including the state capital Patna, with consumers reporting long queues for domestic refills and a near-complete halt in commercial supplies.
Residents said they were being forced to wait for hours to obtain domestic gas cylinders, while the supply of commercial cylinders—except for essential institutions such as hospitals and educational establishments—has remained suspended for more than a week.
The disruption has particularly affected hotels, restaurants and small businesses, many of which rely heavily on commercial LPG for daily operations. Street vendors and pushcart operators have also been impacted, with reports indicating that the refilling of small commercial cylinders, often referred to as “chhotu cylinders”, has been affected.
Petroleum companies have raised concerns over the continued functioning of several eateries despite the supply constraints, suggesting possible misuse of domestic LPG cylinders for commercial purposes. Officials said inspections and raids conducted in recent days had revealed instances of such violations.
According to the companies, the diversion of domestic cylinders to commercial use is not only illegal but also places additional pressure on an already strained supply chain. Authorities have also warned of heightened safety risks associated with such practices.
Petroleum firms have urged the district administration to step up monitoring and enforcement to prevent misuse and restore balance in the supply system. Officials indicated that normalcy in LPG availability may remain elusive unless regulatory violations are effectively addressed.
