LPG CONSUMERS FACE HARDSHIP

LPG CONSUMERS FACE HARDSHIP

2-APRIL-ENG 1

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

BHABHUA-------------------------While the government claims that it will not allow any shortage of LPG gas to occur, it is simultaneously being stated that gas refills are now to be collected only once every 45 days. However, due to a disruption in the supply chain responsible for delivering gas to rural areas, LPG consumers are currently being seen standing in long queues—stretching from the gas agencies all the way to the gas depots—amidst scorching heat and intense sunshine. Senior citizens and elderly female consumers standing in these long lines are falling ill or even fainting due to the harsh conditions. Since the government has halted the system of delivering cylinders directly to consumers' homes, villagers are frequently compelled to spend anywhere from four to eight hours standing in line to collect their gas, often traveling to the agency in reserved tempos or on their personal motorcycles. Had the government initiated a process to provide gas agencies with the necessary codes for online bookings, consumers would not have had to face such massive crowds or stand in such lengthy queues at the depots and agencies. Furthermore, many consumers appear deeply frustrated as they fail to receive their confirmation codes even after successfully booking their refills online. It now remains to be seen how long LPG consumers will have to endure this prolonged ordeal. Will the government implement a system to deliver gas directly to consumers' doorsteps? Or—by arranging for extra funds and transport—how much longer will ordinary citizens be forced to make repeated, arduous trips to the gas agencies on empty stomachs?