Hansi: – Expressing deep concern over the ongoing gas shortage plaguing both the nation and the state, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has demanded that the government take appropriate measures as soon as possible to genuinely resolve the people's plight, ensuring that every individual can at least secure a meal to satisfy their hunger. In a press statement issued to the media, the party's District President, Rajendra Sorkhi, noted that while the State Chief Minister has claimed there is no shortage of gas, the reality on the ground is quite the opposite.
Due to the BJP government's anti-people policies, the situation has deteriorated to the point where people are facing starvation. Long queues have formed outside gas agencies, and black marketing has begun in earnest. Domestic gas cylinders are now being sold for anywhere between ?2,500 and ?3,000, and in emergency situations, people are compelled to pay these exorbitant rates. The government is already crushing the public under the burden of soaring inflation; recently, it hiked the price of domestic cylinders by ?60 and commercial cylinders by ?115.
Despite these price hikes, the supply of commercial cylinders has been halted. Consequently, women, the elderly, persons with disabilities, and even children are returning empty-handed from gas agencies—without a cylinder—even after standing in line under the scorching sun for hours. The unavailability of commercial cylinders is causing immense difficulties for weddings and other social ceremonies. Furthermore, the suspension of commercial gas cylinder supplies has forced the closure of numerous industries, hotels, *dhabas*, and restaurants across the state.
Even small and medium-scale vendors—such as street cart operators, confectioners (*halwais*), and tea stall owners—are suffering heavy financial losses. Many individuals are being compelled to either shut down their operations entirely or scale them back significantly, which is having a direct and adverse impact on their income. The acute shortage of gas cylinders has thrown the lives of the common people into complete disarray.
This crisis has not only brought normal daily life to a standstill but has also thoroughly exposed the true face of both the Central and State governments. AAP District President Rajendra Sorkhi has stated that the government must take necessary measures with immediate effect to ensure the smooth supply of both commercial and domestic gas cylinders, thereby providing relief to traders and the general public.
He added that, rather than making hollow claims—as it does every time—the BJP government should demonstrate tangible work on the ground, so that the common people feel assured that the government is indeed accountable to the public. The Aam Aadmi Party has warned that if the government fails to resolve the gas supply crisis, the party will be compelled to take to the streets alongside the public to stage protests and demonstrations.