Residents of villages near the Attari border in Amritsar district continue to grapple with severe LPG supply disruptions, leaving many households without cooking gas for extended periods. Despite repeated assurances from authorities, the problem persists, causing immense hardship, especially for women and the elderly.
Persistent Shortages and Delays
The supply chain for liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) has been erratic for months, with villagers reporting that cylinders are not delivered on time, and sometimes not at all. Many families have been forced to rely on traditional chulhas (wood-fired stoves) or purchase expensive alternatives from the black market.
"We have been waiting for our LPG cylinder for over two weeks. We call the distributor every day, but they give us false promises. It is very difficult to manage cooking without gas," said a resident of a village near the border.
Impact on Daily Life
The shortage has particularly affected women, who are primarily responsible for cooking. Many have to wake up early to collect firewood or spend extra money on kerosene. The elderly and those with health issues are finding it challenging to adapt.
"My mother is asthmatic, and the smoke from the chulha worsens her condition. We need the LPG cylinder urgently, but there is no help from anyone," another villager lamented.
Reasons Behind the Crisis
Local officials attribute the problem to logistical issues, including a shortage of delivery vehicles and poor road conditions in the border areas. However, residents argue that the authorities have not taken adequate steps to resolve the crisis.
"The government should ensure regular supply to border villages. We are citizens too, and we deserve basic amenities," said a village headman.
Calls for Action
Village representatives have submitted memorandums to the district administration, demanding immediate intervention. They have also sought a meeting with the local Member of Parliament to highlight the issue at higher levels.
"We have raised this matter multiple times, but no concrete action has been taken. The district supply officer should be held accountable for the failure," a local activist stated.
Government Response
District officials claim that efforts are being made to streamline the supply chain. They have assured that additional delivery vehicles will be deployed and that distributors will be penalized for delays.
"We are aware of the problem and are working to resolve it. Strict instructions have been given to ensure timely delivery of LPG cylinders to all villages," said a senior district official.
However, villagers remain skeptical, as similar assurances in the past have not yielded results. They demand a more robust monitoring system and immediate action to end their ordeal.
