Heavy protests broke out outside an HP Gas agency located on Hoshiarpur Road in Phagwara on Saturday after residents alleged prolonged delays in the delivery of LPG cylinders.
According to protesters, many consumers had booked their gas cylinders nearly one-and-a-half to two months ago but had still not received supply. Frustrated by repeated visits and lack of response from the agency, residents gathered outside the outlet and raised slogans against the management.
The situation escalated when protesters staged a sit-in on the road, placing gas cylinders on the street and blocking traffic. The protest led to a major traffic jam on Hoshiarpur Road, severely affecting vehicular movement in the area.
Demonstrators alleged that the agency frequently keeps its shutters closed, forcing customers to make repeated trips without any clear information about delivery schedules. Protesters claimed that while other gas agencies in the city are providing doorstep delivery, consumers linked to this agency continue to face inconvenience.
Upon receiving information, police officials reached the spot to control the situation. A Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) held discussions with the protesters and assured them that their grievances would be addressed, following which the road blockade was lifted. Minor arguments were also reported between some protesters and police personnel during the incident.
Inspector Damanpreet Singh stated that agency owners have been instructed to clearly display booking timelines outside the premises, specifying which booking dates are currently being served to prevent unnecessary inconvenience to customers.
One of the protesters, identified as Aarti, said she had booked a cylinder over a month and a half ago but had not received delivery yet. She also alleged that phone calls to the agency often go unanswered. Several other residents echoed similar complaints, stating they had been struggling for days to obtain LPG cylinders.
Authorities have assured residents that necessary steps will be taken to streamline supply and avoid such disruptions in the future.
