Bihar Establishes Control Room to Assist LPG Consumers
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Patna, March 13 (NationPress) In response to rising concerns regarding the accessibility of cooking gas throughout Bihar, the Department of Food and Consumer Protection has inaugurated a control room in Patna to tackle public complaints concerning oil and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG).
This control room aims to offer immediate support to consumers struggling to procure LPG cylinders.
It will operate every day from 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM, allowing residents from across the state to file complaints or request information about LPG supply and distribution.
Consumers can reach the departmental control room at 0612-2233050 to report any issues.
Officials indicated that the department will promptly address complaints to ensure necessary actions are taken.
The department has also advised the public to remain calm and to utilize the control room for rapid solutions to their issues.
In the meantime, Tyagarajan SM, the District Magistrate of Patna, assured that there is no LPG shortage in the district.
He mentioned that the administration is closely monitoring hoarders and black marketers, with a control room established to manage public grievances.
However, tensions were evident in Katihar, where long lines formed outside gas agencies despite the administration's claims of sufficient stock, dismissing reports of shortages as mere rumors.
Among the crowd waiting to refill their cylinders, a woman reportedly collapsed.
In Araria, a significant raid was conducted under the direction of the Sub-Divisional Magistrate, resulting in the seizure of 135 LPG cylinders allegedly stored unlawfully for black market sales.
Officials confirmed that the cylinders were retrieved from a warehouse where they had been hoarded.
A similar situation unfolded in Sasaram, where many consumers queued outside gas agencies from early morning.
Numerous residents reported having waited in line since 5:00 AM to refill their LPG cylinders.
Hundreds of individuals with cylinders were seen outside various agencies.
Locals expressed that the shortage was particularly challenging as the holy month of Ramadan is currently ongoing, requiring families to have cooking gas for their daily meals.
The administration has pledged to take stringent action against hoarding and black marketing while working to ensure a steady LPG supply across the state.