Illegal LPG Hoarding and Black Marketing to Invite Jail: DM Issues Strict Directives
Dehradun: To ensure smooth availability and transparent distribution of LPG in the district, District Magistrate Savin Bansal has issued strict instructions against illegal storage, black marketing and unauthorized refilling of LPG cylinders. He warned that strict action will be taken against violators under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955 and provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which may also lead to imprisonment.
The directives were issued during a review meeting held at the Rishiparna Auditorium in the Collectorate with officials of oil companies and LPG agency operators. The meeting focused on assessing the supply position of domestic and commercial LPG cylinders in the district and ensuring a transparent and efficient distribution system.
Strict Action Against Irregularities
The District Magistrate directed that any irregularities in LPG distribution, illegal hoarding, involvement of middlemen, or unauthorized refilling will result in the sealing of the concerned gas agencies. He instructed all Sub-Divisional Magistrates to conduct random inspections of gas agencies in their respective areas along with police officers and supply inspectors to check stock, distribution and backlog.
He also directed authorities to launch regular raids to curb the commercial use of domestic LPG cylinders. If such misuse is found, the cylinders will be seized immediately and strict action will be taken against the offenders.
LPG Complaint Control Room Established
To ensure quick resolution of LPG-related complaints and information, the district administration has set up a dedicated control room at the Disaster Management Control Center.
Citizens can lodge complaints or share information through the following numbers:
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Helpline: 1077
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Telephone: 0135-2626066, 0135-2726066
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WhatsApp: 7534826066
Officials will take immediate cognizance of complaints and ensure necessary action through the concerned departments.
Daily Monitoring of LPG Distribution
As per the DM’s instructions, the District Supply Officer along with representatives of oil companies will sit at the control room for one hour daily to review LPG stock, distribution backlog and resolve complaints received through public inputs as well as print and social media.
Priority for Domestic Consumers
The District Magistrate directed that, as per Government of India guidelines, domestic consumers must be given priority in LPG distribution so that the general public does not face inconvenience. Home delivery of domestic LPG cylinders will be ensured through an OTP-based verification system to maintain transparency and curb irregularities.
In case of technical issues in online booking systems, gas agencies have been instructed to provide their contact numbers and ensure manual booking facilities for consumers.
25-Day Lock-in Period for Rebooking
Gas agency operators informed that once a cylinder is booked, the next booking can only be made after 25 days. The District Magistrate directed oil companies to inform consumers about this rule through bulk SMS messages and by displaying awareness flex boards at gas agencies.
Appeal to Citizens Not to Panic
DM Savin Bansal appealed to residents not to believe in rumors or panic unnecessarily. He assured that adequate LPG stock is available in the district and urged citizens to use fuel responsibly. The administration is continuously monitoring the situation.
72 Gas Agencies Under Administrative Watch
Currently, 72 LPG gas agencies are operating in the district, supplying LPG to approximately 7.81 lakh domestic consumers and 19,624 commercial consumers. The locations of all gas agency warehouses have been placed under administrative surveillance.
LPG supply to the district is sourced from:
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HPCL – Bhagwanpur
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BPCL – Landhaura
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Indian Oil Corporation – Badrabad and Loni (Ghaziabad)
Officials Present at the Meeting
The meeting was attended by Senior Superintendent of Police Pramendra Dobal, Chief Development Officer Abhinav Shah, Additional District Magistrate (Finance & Revenue) K.K. Mishra, City Magistrate Pratyush Singh, SDM Sadar Harigiri, SDM Kumkum Joshi, District Supply Officer K.K. Agarwal, representatives of oil companies, and Gas Agency Association President Chamanlal, along with other officials.
