Amid an ongoing shortage of commercial and domestic LPG, a new crisis has surfaced with limits on 5-kg Free Trade LPG (FTL) cylinders, putting students, bachelors, and working professionals in a difficult position, sources stated on Tuesday.
The state government's decision to prohibit the sale and refilling of 5-kg and 2-kg cylinders has raised concerns among individuals who rely significantly on these smaller units for everyday cooking. The impact is most noticeable in hostels and rental housing, where such cylinders are commonly utilised.
The situation in areas such as Sailashree Vihar has deteriorated in the last two weeks. Due to limits, small cylinders sit unused, pushing students to explore limited and frequently dangerous alternatives.

Induction cooking is not always authorised, and traditional cooking techniques such as firewood are not practicable in urban areas, thus students' options remain severely constrained. Many others have voiced frustration, with some considering selling their LPG cylinders or quitting hostels entirely owing to the difficulty.
Obtaining a new LPG connection has become more expensive and difficult, compounding the hardship. Consumers must provide identity verification and spend about Rs 2,500, making it prohibitive for students and low-income workers.However, in some relief, the Union Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has allowed states to treble the allocation of 5-kg LPG cylinders for migratory workers. The move attempts to ensure that this vulnerable group has access to fuel despite current supply issues.
Despite this, significant worries remain, and students are calling on authorities to implement more practical solutions to alleviate the mounting situation.
"We hostel students are having a lot of troubles because the Surya firm has been banned, and we can't even meet our basic needs. For example, if we purchase food from abroad, it is expensive and includes GST taxes. And because there is no gas, we are having difficulty meeting basic requirements like as cooking.