Dehradun District Magistrate Savin Bansal convened a meeting on March 12 at the Rishiparna Auditorium to assess the availability and distribution mechanisms of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) in the area. Attendees included representatives from oil companies and local gas agency operators. The discussions aimed at evaluating the current status of both domestic and commercial LPG supply while reinforcing the need for an uninterrupted distribution network.

Daily Oversight Established in Disaster Control Room

The District Supply Officer has been assigned to monitor LPG distribution and manage any backlog information by spending one hour each day in the Disaster Control Room, accompanied by representatives from oil companies. This initiative also aims to address complaints related to LPG supply effectively.

Prioritization for Domestic Consumers

Underlining the Government of India’s guidelines, District Magistrate Bansal directed that domestic consumers should receive priority in LPG distribution to prevent inconvenience to the public. He emphasized the introduction of an OTP-based delivery system for domestic cylinders to enhance transparency and minimize irregularities. In cases of technical issues with online booking systems, local gas agencies have been instructed to provide contact numbers for manual bookings.

Public Awareness Initiatives for Booking Regulations

Operators from gas agencies noted that a booking could only be made after a 25-day gap. Bansal directed company officials to communicate this policy clearly to consumers through bulk SMS notifications and public awareness notices displayed at agency offices.

Control Room Established for Consumer Assistance

A control room has been set up within the Disaster Control Room to swiftly handle issues, inquiries, or grievances related to natural gas or LPG cylinders in the district. Citizens encountering problems are encouraged to reach out to this control room for prompt resolution.

Reassurance to Public on LPG Availability

Bansal called on residents to remain calm and not succumb to rumors regarding LPG availability. He assured that there is sufficient fuel supply and reminded the public to use it judiciously. The district administration continues to monitor the situation, with all 72 gas agency warehouses being closely observed.

Random Inspections to Ensure Compliance

The District Magistrate ordered Sub-Divisional Magistrates to conduct unannounced inspections of gas agencies, working in tandem with local police to verify stocks and distribution practices. Severe penalties, including the closure of gas agencies, will be enforced for any discovered irregularities or malpractices.

Action Against Misuse of Domestic Cylinders

Sub-Divisional Magistrates have also been instructed to engage with hotels and commercial entities in their jurisdictions. If domestic LPG cylinders are found being used for commercial purposes, they will be confiscated, and those responsible will face strict legal actions as stipulated under the Essential Commodities Act of 1955.

Business Prioritization for Essential Services

During the meeting, officials agreed that hospitals and hostels should be prioritized in the distribution of commercial LPG cylinders to ensure that critical services are not interrupted. Gas supply companies have been tasked with ensuring timely deliveries to meet agency demand effectively.

Statewide Inspection Drives Underway

The Department of Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Affairs is conducting comprehensive inspections across Uttarakhand to guarantee smooth LPG and fuel availability. From March 10 to March 12, there were 280 inspections across various districts, leading to raids at 58 sites. Additionally, 74 gas cylinders were confiscated due to illegal storage and misuse, alongside several enforcement actions.

Government Commitment to Fair Practices

The Commissioner of Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Affairs reiterated the state government’s dedication to preventing black marketing, hoarding, or illegal refilling of LPG and fuel. Legal actions will be initiated against anyone found violating these regulations. The public is urged to report any irregularities to facilitate swift intervention. Continued inspection efforts will be undertaken to protect consumer interests.

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