Running out of cooking gas, outstation students exit

Lucknow: The ongoing LPG supply problem in the city has forced many students and civil services aspirants to return to their hometowns as gas refills are hard to get. Those who stayed back are finding it difficult to cook daily meals. The problem is seen in PG accommodations in Hazratganj, Tiwari Ganj, Chinhat, Aliganj and Charbagh. Students say gas refills are either difficult to find, or sometimes available at higher prices. For some students, shortage meant leaving the city abruptly. Civil services aspirant Tanya Gupta left her PG in Hazratganj and returned to Etawah after she ran out of cooking gas. "I didn't plan to leave this week, but was compelled to," she said.

Kritika Agarwal and Neetu Priya, who stay in Charbagh, returned after their families asked them to stay, given the uncertain situation. Nursing student Parul Sen left, saying it was difficult to stay without facility to cook.




Staying in Aliganj, UPSC aspirant Ishita Verma returned home, while Ashutosh Pandey, staying in a PG near Munshi Pulia, went back to Bahraich two days ago.

The situation is worrying families of students who need to return for exams. BA student Ananya Singh, whose exams are scheduled this week, said her parents were hesitant to send her back. "They feel it will be difficult to manage food if the mess service is not regular," she told TOI.

Students who depend on tiffin services are also facing problems as some services have stopped. Civil services aspirant Ayush Mishra said "Without tiffin service, managing meals became difficult."

Those who remained in the city are managing with simple food. Vikas Verma, an aspirant living alone, said he is using a small cylinder and ready-to-eat food. "It works for now, but it's not good for long," he stressed.

The shortage has started affecting hostel mess services too. BBA second-year student, Rohit Shukla, said the mess changed the menu. "The staff told us some items are being reduced," he said.