Patna: Domestic gas supply in Patna is yet to show signs of improvement, despite assurances from the district administration that LPG cylinder bookings are gradually declining and crowds thinning at gas agencies. Long queues can be seen outside gas godowns, while delivery delays are stretching into several days. Many consumers allege that even after making bookings early, cylinders are yet to be delivered, citing persistent stock shortages and repeated excuses by vendors.People were seen standing in long queues outside a gas agency in Naya Tola as early as 7am on Wednesday. They claimed that although their booking numbers were generated days ago, cylinders have still not been delivered.Avinash Suman, a Patna resident, took to X to share his grievance, stating that he had booked a cylinder from an agency in Anisabad five days earlier, but the vendor continued to cite non-availability of stock.However, contradicting these complaints, the official X handle of the Patna district administration uploaded testimonials from satisfied consumers, projecting a smoother supply experience.Residents Munna and Khushbu Kumari from Phulwari Sharif said they received their cylinders within three days of booking. They added that a simple phone call helped them obtain refills, underscoring the varied consumer experiences across the city.District Magistrate (DM) Thiyagarajan S M said that reports from gas agencies indicate a gradual decline in bookings and thinning crowds at distributorships. “These trends suggest there is no longer a panic situation, and consumers are booking refills as per actual requirements, which is a positive development,” he said.The DM also held a high-level meeting on Wednesday with 75 ward councillors of the Patna Municipal Corporation (PMC) and senior officials to brief them on cylinder booking and delivery protocols. He said PMC vehicles, with the support of ward councillors, will be used to spread awareness about the supply chain to further stabilise the situation.During the meeting, the DM issued strict instructions to register immediate FIRs and arrest those involved if complaints of black marketing, hoarding, or overcharging surface.According to the district administration, Patna currently has 136 gas agencies catering to a consumer base of 16.65 lakh people. Official data show that over 6.89 lakh bookings have been made so far, with an average of 35,000–40,000 LPG cylinder bookings recorded daily.The DM added that reducing the delivery backlog is now the top priority and urged citizens to avoid overbooking, warning that it puts additional pressure on the system and hampers stabilisation efforts.
