Hazaribag: Cooking gas shortage began disrupting life in Hazaribag’s main coaching hub — the Korrha–Matwari belt, often referred to as the town’s “Mukherji Nagar” due to the large concentration of competitive exam aspirants and college-goers. With LPG supply turning erratic and prices rising sharply, many students staying in lodges and hostels have started returning to their hometowns.Localities such as Korrha, Matwari and Babugaon are the preferred residential clusters for students due to affordable accommodation and proximity to coaching centres and libraries. According to estimates, more than one lakh students live in these areas.
The Korrha–Matwari belt alone houses more than 200 coaching institutes. These institutes prepare aspirants for exams such as UPSC, JPSC, SSC, banking and other competitive tests, making the locality a major educational hub in the region.However, the ongoing LPG shortage started affecting the daily routine of students, many of whom depend on small cylinders for cooking. Streets from Korrha Chowk to PTC Road, usually crowded with students, witnessed thinner crowds as many has already started leaving.Students said the sharp rise in prices further strained their limited budgets. LPG that was earlier priced around Rs 90 per kg is now reportedly selling for nearly Rs 200 per kg in the open market. “Because of the gas shortage, several lodges are gradually becoming empty as students are returning home,” said Gaurav Kumar, a student living in the Matwari area.“Without gas, we cannot cook food. In such a situation, going back home seems to be the only option,” said Munna Kumar Sharma, another aspirant preparing for competitive examinations.“The sudden price hike badly disturbed our budget,” said Deepak Kumar, owner of a lodge, adding that students living away from home are struggling to manage expenses.Students also complained about booking delays. “Due to server problems and booking issues, cylinders are not being delivered on time,” said Roshan Kumar, an aspirant.The shortage also began affecting local businesses. Vendors selling vegetables, snacks, stationery and tea near student hubs said their sales dropped as lodges gradually emptied.Officials, however, said the situation is temporary and supply is being streamlined.Authorities appealed to consumers not to panic or make unnecessary bookings, assuring that availability will improve soon. Students urged the administration to ensure regular supply of small cylinders so that those staying in lodges can continue their studies without disruption.
