BASTI: Long queues and chaotic scenes were witnessed outside an LPG agency in Uttar Pradesh’s Basti district on Thursday as consumers rushed to collect cooking gas cylinders amid rumours of a possible price hike, officials said. A large number of people gathered at the Mahagauri Gas Agency near Mahadeva crossing in the Bankati block early in the morning. Locals claimed that several consumers began lining up from around 4 am. When the agency gate opened at around 7 am, people rushed inside to collect cylinders. Many were seen carrying the cylinders on their heads and shoulders, leading to near-stampede-like conditions, officials said. District Supply Officer Vimal Kumar Shukla, however, said there was no shortage of LPG cylinders in the district. Shukla said oil companies have recently increased the share of OTP-based LPG booking to 80 per cent from the earlier 30 per cent, due to which several connections have temporarily moved out of the regular category. Basti has around 2.07 lakh Ujjwala beneficiaries and nearly three lakh regular LPG consumers, he said. He added that these connections are now being reactivated through KYC verification and staff have been deployed at gas agencies to facilitate the process. The rush comes amid heightened vigilance by the Uttar Pradesh government over rumours of fuel shortages and possible black marketing of petrol, diesel and LPG. Authorities across the state have been directed to monitor fuel sales following panic buying triggered by concerns linked to tensions in West Asia. Consumers, particularly families preparing for weddings, rushed to secure cylinders after rumours spread about a possible rise in LPG prices. Authorities reiterated that there is no shortage of supply and urged people not to believe in rumours.
