Cost of oxygen cylinders falls in Bihar

PATNA: With a steady fall in the number of

coronavirus cases

in the state capital during the last two weeks, the demand for

oxygen cylinders

has dipped considerably. Consequently, their prices have also fallen.

As the number of Covid cases increased rapidly in July and August, vendors began selling oxygen cylinders at higher prices. At present, the consumption of oxygen is almost negligible in most city hospitals, except for the All India Institute of Medical Sciences-Patna, Nalanda Medical College and Hospital and Patna Medical College and Hospital.

Ajit Kumar, a wholesaler of oxygen cylinders in Kumhrar, claimed that the demand for oxygen cylinders suddenly rose in July and August. “I have sold more than 3,000 pieces in the last three months,” he told this newspaper.

Talking about the fluctuation in prices, he said, “A 10 litre oxygen cylinder, which normally costs Rs 7,000, was available for Rs 9,000 in July and August. However, with a decrease in demand and gradual increase in production across the state, its price has come down.”

Niraj Kumar

, a dealer of oxygen cylinders in Kankarbagh, pointed out that their demand had shot up in July-end when private hospitals in the city were told to set up Covid wards.

“Maximum number of Covid cases were detected in the city in July and August because of the arrival of thousands of migrants from other states, who were admitted to different hospitals. Because of a sharp increase in demand, the supply fell short and prices of oxygen cylinders went up by around 30%,” Niraj said.

With time, however, people have grown calmer and less fearful. Their hoarding tendency, which was being witnessed during the initial days, has also diminished.

“Earlier, people were unnecessarily hoarding oxygen cylinders out of fear. Now, they know that an oximeter can help them decide whether a Covid patient needs additional oxygen or not,” said Dr Abhilasha, a private practitioner based in Punaichak.

Boring Road resident, P R Kumar, who purchased three 10 litre oxygen cylinders along with his neighbours in July, is planning to donate them to Covid hospitals.

“We thought everyone, who was infected, needed oxygen support. Also, news reports and viral videos of people dying due to lack of oxygen were doing the rounds on social media which propelled fear in the minds of the public. So, we decided to take the matter into our hands,” Kumar said.