Rourkela Grapples with Severe LPG Shortage as Promised Cylinders Fail to Materialize
In Rourkela, a growing LPG supply crisis, exacerbated by the ongoing conflict in West Asia, has left numerous residents frustrated and without essential cooking fuel. This comes despite the state government's recent announcement that 5-kg LPG cylinders would be made available at local petrol pumps to alleviate the situation.
Empty Promises at Petrol Pumps
On Monday, at a major petrol pump near Chhend, hopeful individuals seeking 5-kg cylinders for their daily cooking needs were met with disappointment. Fuel pump employees informed them that there was no stock available, attributing the failure to a 'shortage' from the supplying gas agency.
The unavailability has particularly impacted students living in rented accommodations and small vendors who rely heavily on these smaller cylinders. Many gathered at the petrol pump with expectations of easy access, only to express significant annoyance upon learning none were available. Some even engaged in arguments with staff over the non-availability.
Voices from the Ground: Students and Workers Bear the Brunt
Saroj Pradhan, a diploma student, shared his plight: "I live in a rented house with two friends. We have no LPG cylinder to cook. Since the government announced that 5-kg cylinders would be available at petrol pumps during this crisis, we were confident of getting one. But we have been turned away. Other petrol pumps in Rourkela are also out of stock. Now, we are forced to depend on hotels for food."
Birsa Toppo, a contract worker, echoed similar concerns: "I came to take a 5-kg LPG cylinder, but there is no stock. The staff could not say when it would be available. I have no LPG at home, and I don't know how my family will cook food."
Supply Chain Breakdown and Low Incentives
Sudhir Ranjan Kar, the petrol pump manager, explained the situation: "We requested the agency to supply 5-kg cylinders so that we could sell them to the public, but they have not supplied any, citing shortage."
Another petrol pump manager, who preferred to remain anonymous, highlighted additional challenges. "We earn around Rs 20 per 5-kg cylinder. If supplies are irregular, there is little incentive to take the trouble of stocking and selling them," he said, noting that the shortage has been widely reported across the region.
Administrative Response and Current Pricing
Assistant Civil Supplies Officer, Rourkela, Joshna Rani Karna, stated that the administration would look into complaints regarding the non-availability of 5-kg LPG cylinders at petrol pumps. This comes as residents await tangible solutions.
Currently, the cost of a 5-kg LPG cylinder stands at approximately Rs 1,537 for a new connection and Rs 593 for a refill, adding financial strain to those already struggling with availability issues.
The crisis underscores broader supply chain disruptions linked to international conflicts, with local authorities now under pressure to address the immediate needs of affected communities in Rourkela.
