Ranchi, July 10: Traffic on Ranchi’s Main Road came to a standstill on Thursday after angry consumers staged a protest against the alleged delay in the supply of domestic LPG cylinders despite having deposited their empty cylinders and made advance payments.
The protest took place near Kachahari Chowk, where a large number of consumers blocked the road, disrupting vehicular movement for nearly 30 minutes.
The demonstration resulted in long traffic queues on both sides of the road, causing inconvenience to commuters.
According to the protesters, they had submitted their empty LPG cylinders and paid the required amount to Sumati Gas Agency nearly a month ago.
However, they alleged that the agency failed to deliver the filled cylinders within the promised time.
Consumers claimed that the agency repeatedly asked them to collect cylinders from different locations, but each time they arrived, they were informed that the stock had been exhausted.
On Thursday, they were reportedly directed to Gossner Maidan for distribution.
Although a large number of consumers reached the venue, only a section of them received cylinders due to an alleged shortage, while many others returned empty-handed.
Frustrated over the repeated delays, consumers gathered at Kachahari Chowk and blocked the road in protest.
During the demonstration, they displayed payment receipts to officials and demanded immediate delivery of their LPG cylinders.
Police and local administration officials reached the spot and held discussions with the protesters to restore normal traffic.
The blockade was lifted after authorities assured the agitating consumers that the issue would be addressed.
The protesters demanded a transparent distribution process and timely supply of LPG cylinders, alleging that the prolonged delay has caused significant hardship to households that had already completed all payment and deposit formalities.
