TNR Desk
Hamirpur: The residents of Hamirpur, the home district of the Chief Minister, are facing increasing problems due to a shortage of LPG gas cylinders. This scarcity is not limited to Hamirpur city alone; it has also affected the rural areas of the district. As a result, gas consumers are forced to wait for 15 to 20 days to receive cylinder refills.
Gas agency operators have cited reduced supply from the plant as the main reason behind this issue. The Food Supply Department in Hamirpur has acknowledged the complaints received regarding gas cylinder supply and has informed higher authorities.
Currently, in Hamirpur district, domestic gas cylinders are available at a reduced price of Rs 975, down from Rs 1175. To take advantage of this price reduction, people are rushing to refill their cylinders, leading to increased demand and limited supply. Additionally, another factor contributing to the reduced supply is believed to be the prioritization of gas distribution in tribal areas before the onset of snowfall, which is expected to begin in October. These remote areas become isolated due to road closures during heavy snowfall, prompting gas companies to supply them with gas on a priority basis.
Currently, nine gas agencies serve the district, with a monthly gas cylinder consumption of around 60,000 units. However, the current supply is dwindling.
Hariram, a local villager, noted that gas supply has been inconsistent in rural areas for the past month and a half, leading to an increase in the number of people coming to refill their cylinders at his shop.
Harish Nanda, the director of Hamirpur Gas Agency, confirmed a shortage in gas cylinder supply over the last 10-15 days. He attributed this reduction to a problem at the plant but assured that the system would be rectified within three to four days.
Arvind Sharma, District Food Supply Controller, reported gas shortages in various locations. He has instructed all gas agency operators to prioritize gas cylinder distribution according to the prescribed route chart. Higher officials have also been informed of the situation. Additionally, communication has been established with the IOC company’s Mehatpur plant to ensure gas supply.
The shortage of gas cylinders in Hamirpur has become a pressing concern for the local population, with the hope that timely measures will alleviate the problem and ensure a steady gas supply.
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