Patna: Hundreds of residents blocked the busy Phulwarisharif–AIIMS-Patna main road (NH-98) near Bochachak on Sunday morning, alleging acute shortage of LPG cylinders and irregular distribution by a local gas agency, disrupting movement of traffic for over an hour.According to the protesters, the agency has not distributed cylinders for the past four days, leaving households struggling to cook food. Residents alleged that despite being called by the agency to collect refills, consumers are often sent back empty-handed after reaching the outlet. The irregular distribution has forced many families to depend on wood, induction cooktops or other alternative fuel sources.Locals claimed that irregular distribution by the agency was a recurring problem, but the situation had worsened significantly in recent days. Protesters further alleged that when small domestic cylinders are refilled, agency staff charge exorbitant rates ranging between Rs 250 and Rs 300 per kg. Many residents said such black-market prices are unaffordable, forcing families to either manage without cooking gas or bear the steep additional cost.Angered by the issue, hundreds of residents gathered on NH-98 around 9.30am, raised slogans against the gas agency and blocked traffic, resulting in long vehicle queues and major disruption for nearly one-and-a-half hours.On receiving information, local administration officials and police rushed to the spot and held talks with the protesters. The demonstrators lifted the blockade after officials assured them of immediate steps to restore regular cylinder distribution. Phulwarisharif police station in-charge Ghulam Shahbaz Alam said the gas agency owner had informed the police that a truck carrying LPG cylinders would arrive shortly.“Distribution will be carried out under police protection. Consumers have been requested to remain calm,” he said.
