Wadi, May 13: Tension prevailed in Wadi town on Tuesday after residents gathered in front of Guru Gas Agency alleging irregularities in the distribution of cooking gas cylinders.
Consumers accused the agency of cancelling booked cylinders and forcing people to stand in long queues for hours without receiving supplies.
Long Queues and Cancelled Bookings Trigger Public Anger
According to consumers, many people who had booked cylinders online were informed by agency staff that their bookings had been cancelled because they did not arrive on time to collect them. This led to arguments and anger among the public.
Several residents alleged that despite completing bookings through official channels, they were denied cylinders after waiting for an entire day. Women and senior citizens were among those affected by the disruption in supply.
People questioned why consumers were being asked to collect cylinders directly from the agency instead of receiving doorstep delivery as promised under the regular distribution system.
Residents Allege Black-Market Sale of LPG Cylinders
Protesters alleged that while ordinary customers are being denied cylinders, LPG cylinders are being diverted and sold illegally in the black market at higher prices. Residents demanded immediate action from authorities and a detailed inquiry into the functioning of the agency.
“The government says there is no shortage in cylinder distribution. However, residents in the town are not being given the gas cylinders they have booked.
“Instead, they are being sent back after being told that their booking has been cancelled. This raises suspicion of black-market activities,” said Veerabhadrappa R.K., president of the Janadhwani Jagruta Samiti, Wadi unit.
He also demanded that the government introduce a proper doorstep delivery system to ensure transparency and prevent inconvenience to consumers.
Residents urged food department officials and the district administration to inspect the agency and take strict action if any irregularities are found.