BHOPAL: Crackdown against the black marketing and hoarding of LPG cylinders has led to the seizure of 1,357 cylinders so far across Madhya Pradesh.
In compliance with the directions issued by the state government, teams of the food and civil supplies department, district administrations and the police have conducted raids at 1,025 locations across the state in the last few days, resulting in the seizure of 1,357 LPG cylinders.
A total of eight FIRs have been registered so far against those found prima facie involved in black marketing and hoarding of LPG cylinders.
A six-member committee has also been constituted at the state level to coordinate with oil companies regarding the availability of petrol, diesel, CNG, PNG and domestic LPG. This committee will maintain continuous oversight to ensure the uninterrupted supply of both commercial and domestic gas cylinders throughout the state.
Consumers utilising PNG (Piped Natural Gas) have been urged to refrain from booking LPG cylinders unnecessarily, according to an official statement from the Madhya Pradesh government.
While maintaining that there is adequate supply of petrol, diesel, domestic PNG and CNG, and that their supply will continue uninterrupted without any curtailment, the government said the operations of gas agencies, the timeliness of cylinder distribution and the status of consumer complaints are currently under review.
Instructions have been issued to all district collectors to take immediate action if any complaints regarding irregularities or delays in the distribution system are received, ensuring gas is made available to consumers in a timely manner.
District administrations have also been directed to strictly curb the spread of misinformation and rumours and to disseminate accurate information to consumers through various media channels.
According to the state’s nodal officer for oil companies, Ajay Srivastava, there is adequate stock of gas cylinders in the state, with sufficient supplies available across the state’s 11 bottling plants and distributors’ warehouses.
Domestic consumers have been urged to place their next booking only after 25 days have elapsed since their last refill. The administration has also advised commercial users to utilise available stocks judiciously and explore alternative fuel sources.
The state’s Additional Chief Secretary (Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Protection), Rashmi Arun Shami, has issued directives to ensure the timely availability of gas cylinders to domestic consumers and maintain a smooth distribution system through various agencies.