Ahead of winter, Kashmir faces acute LPG cylinder shortage

An acute shortage of LPG cylinders has hit Kashmir ahead of the winter. After the fresh set of rules pertaining to the number of subsidised LPG cylinders kicked in, many people are finding it difficult to get their gas connections on time.

CNN-IBN reports that seeing thousands of people queuing up to get a cylinder has become a regular phenomenon in the morning.The issue has been taken up both inside and outside the state assembly.

In order to protest against this scarcity, several rallies have been organised, some of which have turned violent. In Sopore, 20 people were injured in police action when people protested against gas scarcity. “Diesel prices have risen, there is a cap on LPG cylinders. Poor people don’t have the means to cook food for their children,” PDP leader Mehbooba Mufti said.

There is however no word on the situation from the government. The Consumer Affairs Minister or the directorate have declined to comment on this. According to the gas distributors, winter will only bring in more distress for those relying on LPG cylinders. Chances are that the situation could stoke the tender law and order situation in the valley and make it worse, they added.