Basti (UP), March 12 Long queues and chaotic scenes were observed outside an LPG agency here on Thursday as consumers rushed to collect cooking gas cylinders amid rumors of a possible price increase, officials said.
A large number of people gathered at the Mahagauri Gas Agency at Mahadeva crossing in Bankati block early in the morning.
Locals claimed that several consumers began queuing up from around 4 am.
When the agency gate opened around 7 am, people rushed inside to collect cylinders, with many seen carrying them on their heads and shoulders, creating near-stampede-like conditions, officials said.
However, District Supply Officer Vimal Kumar Shukla 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 about 2.07 lakh Ujjwala beneficiaries and nearly three lakh regular LPG consumers, he said.
These connections are now being reactivated through KYC verification, and staff have been deployed at gas agencies to facilitate the process, he added.
The rush comes amid heightened vigilance by the Uttar Pradesh government over rumors 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 rumors spread about the rise in LPG prices.
Authorities said that there was no shortage of supply and urged people not to believe in rumors.
