Gas Crisis Woes in Gorakhpur: Residents Struggle Amid Shortages and Price Hikes

In Gorakhpur, anxiety looms large as residents endure long lines outside gas agencies due to an LPG shortage. Many, like Ajay Nishad, have been queuing from as early as 3 a.m. for over ten days, as roughly 400 to 500 individuals scramble to secure cooking gas cylinders. The situation highlights increasing stress in the region, with some returning home empty-handed.

Reports of price hikes have compounded these worries for residents, who now pay 975 rupees per cylinder—up from the previous 915 rupees, according to Nishad. Opposition voices, such as Vishwavijay Singh from the Congress party, have criticized the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for mismanagement, citing a collapse in administrative arrangements and accusing the government of failing to ensure essential services.

Conversely, Dhananjay Rai of Bharat Gas Distribution Management refutes claims of scarcity, asserting that supply meets demand as usual. Despite assurances from distribution officials, public frustration and accusations of black marketing persist, with many urging prompt and effective measures to address the ongoing crisis.