Shimla, April 20: Residents of Peeran village in Junga tehsil continue to grapple with a severe shortage of cooking gas, as LPG cylinders failed to arrive even after 60 days, triggering widespread inconvenience and environmental concerns.
Cooking gas in the region is supplied through Hill Top Gas Agency, which follows a fixed distribution schedule across villages under Peeran Panchayat. While areas such as Trahai, Khil Ki Ser, Sheeli and Dhali Bagda receive supply on the 5th of every month, Peeran, Nalta Batola, Devthi and Nariga are scheduled for delivery on the 20th.
However, on Monday, residents of Peeran waited until late afternoon for the gas vehicle, only to return home empty-handed.
Locals said the crisis has been ongoing since March 20, when many households had already exhausted their LPG cylinders for over 45 days. With most families reporting that a cylinder lasts barely 20 days, the delay has forced them to revert to traditional firewood for cooking.
“This is not just inconvenient but also putting pressure on nearby forests,” said a resident, highlighting the environmental toll of the shortage.
Government employees in the area have also reported difficulties managing daily routines due to the lack of LPG.
Residents further pointed out a mismatch between policy and supply. While the government mandates a 45-day gap for LPG booking, distribution continues on a monthly basis, effectively stretching the waiting period to nearly 60 days.
Villagers have urged authorities to restore the earlier 30-day booking cycle or align supply schedules accordingly to prevent recurring shortages.
Adding to their woes, residents complained of rising LPG prices, calling the situation a “double blow” — higher costs coupled with unavailability.
Meanwhile, Food and Supplies Inspector Deepak Datyal attributed the disruption to delayed supply. “The stock has not arrived yet. Once it is received, LPG cylinders will be distributed to consumers,” he said.
The prolonged delay has raised serious concerns about rural fuel access, highlighting gaps in last-mile delivery systems in hilly regions.
