LPG crisis hits workers in city, many turn to wood for cooking

Patna: Several workers living in the state capital, far from their native places, are facing the brunt of the LPG shortage. Many of them, who stay in rented accommodation with fellow workers, have begun relying on firewood and other makeshift fuels to cook their meals.In several localities, people engaged in construction work are using leftover wood from building sites as fuel. For workers who had moved to the city in search of better livelihoods, the shortage has made even basic daily routines difficult.Many said they were struggling to arrange cooking fuel despite spending hours trying to procure LPG cylinders. “We are facing a lot of difficulties due to the LPG shortage. We have to stand in long queues to get a cylinder, and even then, it is not guaranteed,” said Rohan Kumar, a worker from Gaya district.

The situation has also triggered a rise in black market prices of LPG cylinders, putting additional financial pressure on daily wage earners. “We are being forced to buy cylinders at exorbitant prices. It is becoming unaffordable for us,” said Rajesh Yadav, another worker.Officials, however, maintained that the supply situation in Patna would soon stabilise. A district official said the administration was monitoring the situation closely.

“We took steps to ensure that the LPG reaches every household. We are monitoring the situation closely,” the official said.But many workers remain sceptical, saying similar assurances had been made earlier. “We heard this before, but nothing seems to be changing. We are struggling to make ends meet,” said Baiju Rai, a native of Saraiya block in Muzaffarpur district.Apart from the economic strain, workers also expressed concern about health risks associated with using firewood and other traditional fuels in cramped rented rooms. “We are forced to use wood and other fuels, which is affecting our health,” said Mukesh Kumar, a building construction contractor and a native of Janipur in Patna district.The ongoing shortage has left several families and workers dependent on temporary solutions while hoping that regular LPG supply resumes soon.