SRINAGAR, Mar 28: Authorities in district Ganderbal have shifted to spot distribution of LPG cylinders at designated centres, scaling down routine home delivery, a move that has led to confusion and hardship among residents.
Assistant Director, Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs (FCS&CA), Ganderbal, Bilal Ahmad Najar, said the decision was taken to streamline supply amid the prevailing situation.
“Home delivery has not been discontinued, but we are prioritising spot distribution as it is faster under the current circumstances,” he said.
He noted that home delivery “takes time”, and many people “prefer” collecting cylinders from central points. “Once the situation subsides, home delivery will resume fully,” he added.
Despite these assurances, residents said the new system has resulted in long queues, uncertainty, and poor coordination at distribution points, affecting availability.
Dozens of people gathered at the Sumo Stand in Tawhid Chowk, Duderhama, early in the morning, waiting for LPG cylinders, but many left empty-handed.
“We have been waiting since 6 am, but there is no one from the administration or the gas agency to inform us about availability,” said Manzoor Ahmad Mirani, a resident of Duderhama.
“I had booked gas online, but it was not delivered, forcing me to come here. I haven’t received a cylinder for the last two months,” he said, adding that the lack of communication has compounded the problem.
“Authorities claim adequate availability, but people are not getting LPG cylinders. Many returned empty-handed. At least in town areas, home delivery should be ensured,” another resident said.
Another resident, Muhammad Afzal Shah from Wurpash, said he incurred transport expenses to reach the distribution point but failed to secure a cylinder.
“Gas agencies asked us to come to Duderhama, but even here it is not available. If supply is adequate, why are people not receiving gas?” he asked.
Residents also alleged that the phone numbers of gas agencies remain switched off, leaving consumers without information.
