Patna, March 18 (NationPress) The local authorities in Patna have escalated their efforts to combat the illegal trade of LPG cylinders, with District Magistrate Thiyagarajan S.M. emphasizing a firm stance against violators.

During a press briefing, the DM disclosed that ongoing raids are being executed against those partaking in the unauthorized use and storage of domestic LPG cylinders.

He affirmed that the government is dedicated to maintaining a consistent gas supply for households and has zero tolerance for black market activities.

As part of this initiative, four restaurants and hotels were shut down on Wednesday, with five FIRs filed.

Previously, four FIRs had been lodged as well. Authorities have been directed to initiate prompt legal proceedings in all related cases.

“To mitigate misuse, Sector, Zonal, and Super-Zonal Magistrates have been instructed to conduct thorough inspections across eateries, dhabas, and other commercial venues,” Thiyagarajan noted.

The DM clarified that the district is not facing any LPG shortages and urged residents to disregard any rumors.

“Gas is readily available, and supply chains are operating smoothly,” he stated, encouraging consumers to remain calm.

He also highlighted the necessity of completing e-KYC verification, a process that can be conducted online from home, which will improve transparency in the distribution system and help prevent illegal activities.

During the media conference, the DM indicated that booking trends reflect a stable environment. Data from gas distributors show a decrease in bookings and foot traffic at outlets, implying that consumers are not panicking.

The district currently has 136 gas agencies catering to over 1.665 million consumers, with sufficient stock available at all distributors.

To date, 689,000 bookings have been logged, averaging 35,000 to 40,000 bookings daily, with no significant supply or delivery issues reported.

The administration has advised consumers to minimize unnecessary visits to gas agencies and to book refills online, as doorstep delivery is being provided by oil marketing firms.

A 24/7 LPG helpline (0612-2219810) has also been established for public support.

Officials are in ongoing coordination with various stakeholders, including consumers, gas agencies, and elected officials.

A meeting was convened with councillors from all 75 wards of the Patna Municipal Corporation to assess the supply situation and collect feedback.

Reaffirming a zero-tolerance policy, the administration warned that strict measures—including FIRs and arrests—will be enforced against anyone engaging in black market activities, hoarding, or price gouging.

The DM added that offenders may also face consequences under the Essential Services Maintenance Act.

“The administration is fully vigilant and committed to guaranteeing a transparent and efficient LPG supply system. No negligence or irregularities will be accepted at any level,” he remarked.