The widespread impact of the ongoing war between Iraq and Israel is now visible in India too. There is a huge shortage of LPG gas in many states of the country as well as in Bihar’s capital Patna.
Although the district administration is claiming strictness to stop black marketing, the ground reality is the opposite. The biggest impact of this gas crisis is falling on thousands of students living in Patna and preparing for competitive examinations.
Gas being sold at Rs 400 per kg
More than 50 thousand students live in rented rooms and lodges in areas like Rajendra Nagar, Bahadurpur, Bazaar Samiti, Musallahpur Haat and Bhikhana Pahari, which are considered to be the major education hubs of Patna. These students usually cook their food on small cylinders of 3 or 5 kg. Due to shortage of gas, most of the shops refilling small cylinders are closed. The very few shops which are providing gas are now charging arbitrary prices of up to Rs 400 per kg for the gas which was available at Rs 90 per kg.
Students’ budget deteriorated, curd-chuda became support
This huge increase in gas prices has completely ruined the monthly budget of the students. Ankit, who is preparing to become Inspector while living in Musallahpur, said, “My gas is out since three days. Now Rs 2000 is being asked for filling 5 kg of gas. It is not possible for us to buy such expensive gas, hence we are surviving on eating chudra and curd.”
The plight of Manohar, a student of the market committee, is also similar. He says, “We get Rs 3500 per month from home, of which Rs 1500 have to be paid as room rent. If we spend Rs 2000 only on gas, then how will we meet the rest of the expenses? So now Sattu and Chura-Dahi are our only food.”
Shopkeepers shifted to wood stove
The problems of the students are not limited to cooking their own food. The breakfast and food shops (hotels) that depend on students in these areas are also in bad condition. Due to non-availability of gas, many shopkeepers have now started cooking on wood. A samosa seller told that if gas is bought for Rs 2000 in black, the price of samosas will have to be doubled, which will ruin the students and customers. Therefore, after keeping the shop closed for two days, I was forced to switch to wood stove. At the same time, many messes running in the area have either been closed or they have doubled the price of their Rs 60 thali, which is not within the capacity of common students to pay.
Students preparing to return home after exams
Many students are stuck only because of their upcoming exams. A student told that they are somehow staying in Patna because of the Civil Court Peon examination. Manoj Kumar, a railway candidate from Saharsa, clarified that if the situation does not improve in a day or two, then they will return to their homes.
Many students who had no exams have already returned to their respective villages considering it impossible to live in Patna without food. Overall, this shortage of gas has created a big crisis for the students living in Patna who are pursuing their dreams.