14,000 Nagpur residents in a fix as gas agency shut; chaos, confusion, hardship mount

Nagpur: In a move that has sparked outrage and widespread hardship, the sudden suspension of a gas agency in the Nara area of Nagpur has thrown nearly 14,000 LPG consumers into chaos, forcing them to struggle for basic cooking fuel amid soaring inconvenience and poor planning.

With the agency’s licence suspended by Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL), consumers have been abruptly shifted to agencies in Gittikhadan and Ramdaspeth, both located around 10 kilometres away. The decision has severely disrupted access, particularly for the elderly, daily wage earners, and economically weaker sections.

Adding to the crisis is a complete lack of awareness and coordination. Hundreds of residents have been seen running from one agency to another, unsure of where to go, only to return empty-handed after hours of waiting in queues under the scorching heat.

Food Distribution Officer Vinod Kale said the agency had long been facing operational issues. “The owner was absent, and operations were being handled by a manager. Consumers were already suffering. Eventually, staff expressed inability to continue, leading to the suspension,” he said, adding that HPCL has been directed to increase supply at the reassigned centres.

However, on the ground, the situation remains grim.

Consumer rights activist Nitin Solanki of Grahak Dakshata Kalyan Foundation slammed the authorities, calling the situation “a complete collapse of planning and support.”

“People don’t even know which agency they belong to now. There is no proper system in place. Earlier irregularities had already hit services, and now this sudden shift has pushed the situation into chaos,” he said.

He further warned that shifting such a massive consumer base to just two agencies could trigger serious supply shortages, and hinted at protests if immediate corrective steps are not taken.

A retired railway official assisting locals painted a worrying picture of ground realities. “A large number of affected consumers are not tech-savvy. They cannot use mobile apps or online booking systems. Even those trying to help are overwhelmed,” he said.

Scenes of distress continue to unfold outside the shut agency, where crowds gather daily in hope. “There was a one-time distribution by the Gittikhadan agency on Thursday, but when people returned on Friday, they were sent back empty-handed,” he added.

With no clear communication, inadequate supply, and poor contingency planning, thousands of citizens are being forced to endure unnecessary suffering for an essential service, raising serious questions about accountability and preparedness of the authorities.

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