Ludhiana residents block road over LPG delay, say no delivery even after 25 days

Residents blocked a road at Sherpur Chowk in Ludhiana on Saturday alleging delay in delivering LPG cylinders and step-motherly treatment being meted out by staff of a local gas agency with the people. Many of them were carrying cylinders with them during the protest. Traffic movement was also affected due to the protest for sometime.

Shiva, a resident, while holding the protest, said he had booked a LPG cylinder around 25 days ago and now, when he went to the agency to take delivery, staff, instead of providing the cylinder, abused him and denied to give any delivery.

“I have been visiting the gas agency office for the past over three days but the staff are making excuses. They are resorting to illegal practices and selling cylinders in black market at exorbitant rates. Administration officials should take immediate note of the same. On Saturday I, along with other people, facing similar issues blocked the road at Sherpur Chowk,” he said while showing the booking slip.

Raman Kumar, another resident who was taking part in the protest, said despite booking of his cylinder, when he visited the agency at Sherpur Chowk, they refused to provide delivery, citing shortage.

“The authorities should take immediate action against the agency as cylinders are being sold in black market and common people are made to suffer. A LPG cylinder, which is available at Rs 940, is being sold at Rs 2,500 or more and the practice needs to be stopped,” he said.

Meanwhile, agency officials told the media on Friday that stock had not arrived due to which cylinders could not be delivered. Drivers of delivery vehicles were on leave on Saturday due to Eid-ul-Fitr but he promised that soon cylinders would be delivered and everyone who have booked cylinders would get the same.

The protest was lifted after police officials reached the scene and they assured to raise the matter before the officials concerned.