Nongpoh: Despite repeated assurances from the government that cooking gas supply is sufficient across Meghalaya, residents across several parts of Ri-Bhoi district are reportedly facing an acute shortage of LPG cylinders, with many families waiting for months to receive even a single cylinder.
Amid growing public frustration, residents of Byrnihat along with members of the RBYF Byrnihat Circle led by president Ricky Lapang, on Sunday, stormed the office of Wankhar Gas Agency located at Byrnihat Proper to protest against the ongoing shortage and alleged misconduct by the agency owner.
Several women who gathered at the protest expressed deep anger and disappointment over the alleged rude behaviour and offensive remarks made by the owner of the gas agency. Residents also strongly suspected that the shortage may be linked to an illegal black-market trade, where LPG cylinders are allegedly being sold secretly at inflated prices while genuine consumers are left without supply.
The situation has reportedly become so severe that one mother was forced to cook rice and vegetables using burning plastic just so her children could eat before going to school.
Adding to public outrage, the owner of the agency allegedly fled from the premises immediately after learning about the protest, leaving residents unable to seek clarification regarding the ongoing LPG shortage.
The incident has triggered widespread concern among the public, with demands growing for authorities to investigate the alleged illegal LPG trade and ensure fair distribution of cooking gas to consumers in the Byrnihat area.