Jalandhar news: Anger over delayed LPG supply spills onto streets
Consumers protest outside Daman Gas Agency over delayed deliveries, locked office
Amid the district authorities’ tall claims of smooth LPG supply, residents of Jalandhar’s West constituency took to the streets on Friday, blocking the bustling 120 feet road in protest against the alleged failure of Daman Gas Agency, which allegedly failed to deliver cylinders on time. The agency office was found locked, triggering public outrage as several consumers, many of whom had been waiting for their LPG delivery for weeks, demanded immediate supply and accountability.
Residents also raised concerns of black marketing of LPG cylinders, stating that the agency is selling one LPG cylinder at Rs 3,000, making it difficult to afford it.
Protesters alleged that despite booking LPG cylinders, deliveries have been delayed far beyond the stipulated time, leaving households struggling, especially amid soaring temperatures.
Raj Kumar, a local consumer said, “We have been running from pillar to post for weeks, waiting for more than a month to receive our cylinder after booking. First, we were told supply trucks had not arrived. Then they stopped answering our calls. When we came here, the office was locked. How are we supposed to manage when there is no one addressing our concerns."
Echoing similar concerns, Ramandeep Kaur, another resident, said, "Despite the administration's claims of normal supply, we are struggling to get our LPG cylinders. It had been more than a month, there has been no cylinder, no response and now a locked office. This is harassment."
The protest soon escalated into a road blockade, disrupting traffic and leading to heated exchanges between commuters and demonstrators. After the police intervention, the protesters cleared the road.
District Food Supply Controller Narinder Singh said the agency was facing a backlog of 14 days. “We have taken up the matter with the agency and directed it to rationalise supply. LPG companies are currently supplying only about 80 per cent of the cylinders compared to bookings during the same period last year, leading to a buildup of backlog,” he said.
On allegations of black marketing, Singh said, "We have initiated an inquiry into the matter. Any resident who has faced such issues can report their concerns to the department and appropriate action will be taken.”
