Severe LPG Shortage Sparks Protests in Margherita
Public Outcry Over LPG Crisis
The situation turned chaotic on Wednesday morning when the agency opened, as supply failed to meet demand.
Margherita, Apr 29: A distressing scene unfolded at M/S Margherita Gas Supply on Wednesday as a critical shortage of cooking gas led to public unrest.
Despite assurances from the government regarding sufficient fuel reserves, residents in Margherita are facing a significant LPG shortage. Long lines began forming late into the night, with many customers waiting outside the agency all night in hopes of obtaining a cylinder.
As the agency opened on Wednesday morning, chaos ensued due to the inability to meet the high demand. Frustrated customers protested, accusing the agency of poor management and insufficient distribution. Police and local officials were dispatched to the scene to restore order as tensions rose.
One customer expressed frustration, stating, “I reserved a gas cylinder on April 13. When I arrived on Saturday, I was told to return on Wednesday. Now they inform us that there will be no bookings due to a lack of stock. If they are out of cylinders, why did they ask us to come? We have been waiting here since 4 AM.”
Customers also claimed that LPG cylinders were being sold on the black market.
“Yesterday morning, they claimed there were no cylinders available. However, after we left, they reportedly sold around 100 cylinders between 12:30 PM and 8–9 PM. This indicates they were not selling to the general public but to select individuals,” one consumer alleged.
In light of the escalating frustration, residents are calling for the establishment of an additional gas agency in Margherita.
“If they cannot operate effectively, we need another gas agency. This one should be closed,” locals stated.
Many customers further accused the agency of intentionally mistreating consumers and failing to distribute cylinders appropriately, despite having adequate stock.