Consumers, including Sunil Kumar from Bheda village and Shankar from Kihunia village, alleged that the Patar Kala centre is the only Bharat Gas distribution point serving the entire Lalganj development block. Due to the lack of additional distribution centres, residents are forced to travel nearly 10 to 15 kilometres to collect cylinders and stand in long queues under intense heat.
The consumers further accused agency employees of giving priority to influential and recommended individuals instead of people waiting in the queue for hours. Sunil Kumar stated that he had been standing in line since morning when several individuals allegedly attempted to obtain cylinders ahead of others, triggering pushing, arguments, and chaos at the site.
Consumers demanded that the operator of Vindhya Bharat Gas Agency ensure regular cylinder supply at the Patar Kala distribution centre. According to local residents, a fresh stock of cylinders had arrived after nearly a week, but the quantity was significantly lower than the existing demand. The shortage led to an unusually large crowd gathering at the centre, and the unrest reportedly continued despite police presence.
Sanjay Mishra, the in-charge of Bharat Gas distribution at Patar Kala, said the cylinders were being distributed in an orderly queue system. However, he admitted that the crowd became uncontrollable because the number of cylinders received was insufficient compared to consumer demand, forcing the administration to seek police assistance.
Meanwhile, gas agency operator PS Singh rejected allegations of discrimination and denied claims that preferred individuals were given priority during distribution.
Lalganj Sub-Divisional Magistrate and Joint Magistrate Mahendra Singh stated that instructions regarding proper distribution procedures had already been issued to operators of all gas agencies. He added that if any complaint of irregularities is received, an investigation will be conducted and strict action will be taken against those found responsible.
The incident has once again highlighted the growing pressure on essential supply services in rural areas, where limited distribution infrastructure and irregular stock availability continue to create public dissatisfaction and repeated administrative challenges.
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