Family’s struggle amid LPG crisis trumps authorities’ all is well claims

Pune: The challenges, pain and hassles which Surekha Gaikwad, a professional maid, and her family of 7 have been going through because of LPG cylinder shortage is enough to trump authorities and oil firms claims that things are in control and there is no need to panic.Gaikwad, a resident of Krishnanagar in Mohammadwadi, works in multiple households alongwith her daughter-in-law and daughter. "Around 18 days ago, our only LPG cylinder was over. Since then, our lives have changed and struggle doubled. We booked a new one. However our agency's point of contact, whom we contacted whenever we needed cylinder, refused to answer our phones even after multiple attempts. Finally, right outside our home, we made a ‘chulha' (oven) with some bricks so that we can cook," Gaikwad told TOI.To fire it up, wood is needed. For that, women in the house have to go to and collect it after work. "It is tough considering the scorching heat. Another challenge was the gas company office used to be at Sayyadnagar, but now has shifted to somewhere in Kadnagar and we cannot find it. The main issue lies that my son has a 1.5-year-old daughter and she is unwell. She needs to be fed at regular intervals including late night and wee hours. Lighting up chulha is a tough task as it does not light up instantly. The oven causes smoke and our neighbours don't like it. On Saturday and on several earlier occations, we had major arguments with them," she said.Preparing daily food in chulha has been extremely tough for the family, she said. "In the past few days, we look for options for not cooking. We are trying everything from either asking women in the homes we work to provide some cooked food, could be a day or two old, or going to temple for finding food. The other day, there was a religious event in a temple and food was being served and we had that. A few days ago, owing to the frustration and despair, we all started crying. Gradually, we had to recollect ourselves to be strong," Gaikwad told TOI.The state govt and administration have continuously been assuring people that there is no need to panic because LPG supply was normal and regular. The Pune district administration had made OTP-based delivery compulsory and directed distributors to complete delivery within 96 hours of booking.Gaikwad, however, said she had no idea about all these directions. "How are we supposed to know about all this? On Saturday, we had a major quarrel with a neighbour who complained about the chulha smoke. It was the breaking point. My son, an autorickshaw driver by profession, contacted someone and the man took Rs 3,000 from us and promised to deliver an LPG cylinder today. We are keeping our fingers crossed that the promise is kept," she said.