Uttar Pradesh: The ongoing shortage of gas cylinders in Uttar Pradesh continues to trouble residents, with several distressing incidents emerging from different districts.

Man Walks 8 Km to Feed Ailing Family

In Barabanki, a man’s struggle has highlighted the severity of the crisis. Arun Kumar, a resident of Tindola village in Banki, walked nearly 8 kilometers in the early hours of the morning to arrange a gas cylinder for his family.

He left his home around 2 a.m. and reached Amit Gas Agency by 3 a.m., where he stood in a long queue to secure a cylinder. Arun shared that his father is battling cancer, while his mother has been seriously ill since suffering a brain hemorrhage, making the situation even more urgent.

Disabled Person Turned Away in Deoria

In Deoria, a disabled individual had to return empty-handed after visiting a gas agency. Officials informed that only those who had booked cylinders on March 12 were being served that day. Since the person had booked on March 14, they were asked to wait another three days for delivery.

Protests Erupt Over Rising Prices and Shortage

In Lakhimpur Kheri, workers of the Samajwadi Party staged a protest at the Collectorate to highlight the hardships faced by the public. The protesters carried gas cylinders on their heads and wore garlands made of wooden sticks as a symbolic gesture.

They said the rising cost of gas cylinders has severely impacted the budgets of poor and middle-class families, forcing many to revert to traditional cooking methods like wood and stoves.

A similar protest was seen in Varanasi, where Samajwadi Party Women’s Wing state president Reebo Srivastava sat at the Collectorate gate with a gas cylinder to voice concerns.

Illegal Gas Refilling Operation Busted in Agra

Meanwhile, in Agra, the District Supply Department conducted a raid in the Nagla Rambal area and uncovered an illegal gas refilling and storage setup. The operation took place in a lane opposite Central Agra Public School in Krishna Vihar.

Officials recovered six commercial and 11 domestic cylinders, several of them filled. Equipment used for illegal refilling, including two double-sided refillers and a portable welding machine, was also seized.

Long Queues Outside Agencies in Gonda

In Gonda district, long queues have been forming outside gas agencies, especially in rural areas. People who had booked cylinders between March 12 and March 15 are receiving their supply now.

Residents have been gathering outside agencies as early as 6 a.m., reflecting the growing demand and delayed distribution.