LPG cylinder shortage protest in Raisen after Madhya Pradesh gas agency opens late

Consumers in Raisen district, Madhya Pradesh, blocked a road after waiting hours for LPG cylinders when a gas agency opened late. Many women joined the protest, citing household disruption. Sub-Divisional Magistrate Manish Sharma arrived with police, ordered immediate distribution, and warned the operator of strict action, including possible closure, if delays recur.

Commuters faced disruption in Raisen district, Madhya Pradesh, after LPG customers blocked a road outside a gas agency on Saturday. Officials said the protest began when people could not collect cylinders despite waiting for hours. The agency is located on Sagar Road, and the situation eased only after local officials and police reached the spot.

According to officials, hundreds of customers started lining up at around 7 am. The agency did not open till 10 am, which was an hour later than the scheduled opening time. As the wait grew longer, customers became angry and moved onto the road, stopping traffic near the agency.

LPG cylinders delay triggers protest in Raisen

A large group of women also joined the protest and accused the operator of giving no advance notice. Some women said their cooking gas had finished at home. They said the delay left them unable to make morning tea. Some also said they could not cook food for their children.

Sub-Divisional Magistrate Manish Sharma arrived with police personnel and spoke to the protesters. Officials said Sharma calmed the crowd and ensured the agency office was opened. Sharma instructed the staff to start cylinder distribution at once. Distribution began at around 11 am, according to officials.

Sharma also warned the agency operator of action if delays happened again. The warning included possible closure if consumers did not receive LPG cylinders. "I have warned the agency, the official told, adding that the distribution of cylinders began around 11 am.\" Officials said the crowd dispersed after distribution started.

Government on LPG cylinders supply amid West Asia conflict

Later, the agency operator said the stock of cylinders was sufficient. The operator linked the late opening to a technical problem at the agency. Separately, the West Asia conflict has affected crude oil and petroleum product supply. This followed the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow passage between Iran and Oman.

The government has said there is no shortage of domestic LPG in the country. Officials in Raisen said the immediate issue was the delayed opening and the long wait. After the office reopened, staff resumed distribution and the protest ended. Authorities said they will act if consumers face similar delays again.

With inputs from PTI