No LPG at dist hosp in Meerut; authorities counter claims

Bareilly: A cook at Meerut District Hospital has alleged a shortage of LPG cylinders for the past four days, forcing staff to prepare food for patients on makeshift stoves (chulhas). A purported video of the cook, who wished to remain anonymous, surfaced online on Thursday.Officials, however, disputed the claims. Chief medical officer Ashok Kataria said the issue came to light on Thursday. "After speaking to the district supply officer, the matter has been addressed," he told TOI. However, district supply officer Vinay Kumar Singh termed the allegations "baseless and fabricated," asserting there was no shortage of LPG. "It should be verified whether a refill was even booked. The CMO informed me they require one cylinder per day, and supply has been ensured accordingly," he said.The claims come amid concerns over potential disruptions in LPG supply linked to the ongoing West Asia conflict, which has impacted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz — a key route for India's 90% LPG imports.