Bhopal, April 9 (NationPress) The government of Madhya Pradesh has initiated a vigorous state-wide campaign aimed at combating the black marketing and hoarding of LPG cylinders under the provisions of the Essential Commodities Act.

In its recent enforcement efforts, officials inspected 2,840 sites, confiscated 3,961 LPG cylinders, and filed First Information Reports in 11 instances. Additionally, inspections were carried out at 734 petrol stations throughout the state, leading to one First Information Report.

Additional Chief Secretary Rashmi Arun Shami has unveiled a targeted initiative to extend Piped Natural Gas (PNG) connections to 150,000 households and commercial entities where pipeline infrastructure exists but connections have yet to be activated.

The government aims to finalize these connections in the next three months.

Residents and businesses located near existing PNG pipelines are encouraged to transition to PNG; failure to comply within the specified timeframe may result in the discontinuation of their LPG supply. Institutions, correctional facilities, police colonies, defense establishments, and industrial sectors in pipeline-served areas are receiving priority.

All City Gas Distribution companies have been instructed to host camps with assistance from district administrations, municipal authorities, and oil corporations. Regular oversight of applications and connections is being conducted.

Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Protection Minister Govind Singh Rajput emphasized that ongoing measures are being taken to combat illegal activities. He has directed all District Supply Controllers and oil company representatives to exercise strict and continuous oversight at petrol stations and LPG distribution centers.

The Minister reassured the public that there is no shortage of essential fuels and cooking gas in Madhya Pradesh or nationwide. Sufficient stocks of LPG (both domestic and commercial), petrol, diesel, PNG, and CNG are readily available.

Domestic LPG cylinders are being supplied consistently against legitimate bookings, while commercial cylinders are distributed according to the government’s allocation policies and the revised 70 percent limit established by the Government of India. Bottling facilities in the state are operating extended hours to meet demand.

Particular attention is being given to small business owners, street vendors, institutions, and priority sectors. The government has also made available 5 kg LPG cylinders through oil companies for migrant workers, students, and similar demographics.

The state government is expediting Right of Use permissions for the installation of new pipelines, approving requests within a 24-hour window. There are currently no pending applications.

Minister Rajput urged citizens to consider alternative cooking methods such as induction cooktops, solar cookers, biogas, Gobar-Dhan initiatives, and eco-friendly Go-kasht (wood logs) produced by Self-Help Groups to minimize reliance on cylinders.