Patna District Administration Sets Up 28 Teams to Combat LPG Black Marketing
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Patna, March 12 (NationPress) In response to rising concerns from domestic consumers regarding the availability of LPG, the Patna district administration has implemented stringent actions to combat black marketing and hoarding of gas cylinders. Following the directives of District Magistrate Thiyagarajan SM, a total of 28 raiding teams have been established to actively supervise the distribution and supply of LPG throughout the district.
In an effort to ensure a seamless supply and to address public issues, the district administration has also launched a district-level helpline.
Residents can report complaints or provide information regarding LPG distribution by dialing 0612-2219810 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Officials have committed to addressing these complaints swiftly.
To tackle hoarding and irregularities, the administration has categorized LPG agency areas into sector, zonal, and super-zonal levels, with officials assigned to each tier.
Block Development Officers (BDOs) have been designated as sector magistrates, Senior Deputy Collectors as zonal magistrates, and officers at the Additional District Magistrate (ADM) level as super-zonal magistrates in Patna.
These appointed officials will oversee LPG distributors and dealers in their respective jurisdictions to guarantee equitable distribution.
District Magistrate Thiyagarajan SM reassured the public that there is no LPG cylinder shortage in the district.
The administration confirmed that all gas companies and distributors currently maintain adequate stock levels.
Moreover, bookings and deliveries are being managed through various platforms, including missed calls, SMS/IVRS, WhatsApp, and OTP-based systems, with a 25-day interval between bookings.
The District Magistrate has mandated regular inspections and raids at LPG agencies and distributors.
He cautioned that strict legal actions, including the filing of FIRs, will be pursued against individuals engaged in black marketing or hoarding of LPG cylinders.
Simultaneously, the administration has advised residents against panic-booking LPG cylinders and urged them to depend on official updates, assuring that the situation is under constant scrutiny.