There is absolutely no shortage of LPG gas: District Magistrate

Patna: (ABN) Dr. B Rajendra - Secretary Incharge of Patna district who is also serving as Additional Chief Secretary of General Administration Department and Education Department, Government of Bihar, today reviewed the matters related to the availability, booking, and supply of LPG gas and took stock of the current stock situation from the Patna Collector. Expressing satisfaction over the improved condition of LPG gas supply and distribution, and appreciating the solid efforts of the Patna district administration, he directed the authorities to prioritize and ensure every facility for the consumers. The Secretary Incharge directed the authorities to ensure smooth and transparent supply of LPG gas and take strict legal action in response to any complaint related to black marketing, hoarding, overpricing, or illegal use. He further directed that the control room be kept active continuously and all the complaints received be resolved promptly and properly. The Secretary Incharge said that any rumor circulating in the public domain should be immediately denied. He directed the officials to work in "mission mode" to facilitate the supply of PNG services, ensure uninterrupted availability of essential commodities and services, and protect the interests of migrant workers. Moreover, he directed the authorities to maintain continuous contact and dialogue with all stakeholders including consumers, oil marketing companies, gas agencies, and elected representatives to solicit their suggestions and opinions and ensure strict compliance with all government directives. The District Magistrate said that in the light of the global situation arising from the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, the Patna district administration has taken all necessary measures - in accordance with government guidelines - to ensure the uninterrupted availability of essential commodities and services as well as the protection of the interests of migrant workers. It was brought to the notice of the Secretary Incharge that a meeting of the 15-member district-level task force constituted under the Crisis Management Group was held earlier today. It was confirmed that there is absolutely no shortage of LPG gas in the district, and its supply is fully normal and smooth. The district has a total of 136 gas agencies serving 1,665,360 LPG consumers. All distributors and gas companies have adequate LPG stock at present. As of today, a total of 1,121,158 bookings have been registered. Consumers are not facing any kind of difficulty in booking or subsequent receipt of cylinders. The District Magistrate said that the district administration is providing full administrative cooperation to the oil marketing companies (OMCs) namely IOCL, BPCL, and HPCL as well as GAIL. All Sub-Divisional Officers and Sub-Divisional Police Officers have been directed to maintain constructive dialogue and strong coordination with the personnel of these companies to ensure the uninterrupted protection and promotion of consumer interests. The District Magistrate further directed the officials to provide PNG facilities to consumers in "mission mode" so that maximum coverage can be ensured based on consumer demand. The concerned Sub-Divisional Officers have been assigned the task of supervising this initiative. The District Magistrate informed the respected Secretary Incharge that the officials of the district administration are continuously inspecting to prevent any kind of inconvenience to the consumers. Moreover, legal action is being initiated against individuals involved in black marketing or other illegal activities of LPG. Additional District Magistrates, other district-level officials, Sub-Divisional Officers (and other Sub-Divisional Officers), and block-level officials are regularly inspecting and raiding the premises of LPG dealers and distributors. Twenty-eight dedicated squads at the block level are continuously active to address complaints related to domestic LPG cylinders and prevent hoarding of cylinders. Block Supply Officers, Block Supply Inspectors, and Assistant District Supply Officers have been designated as Nodal Officers in these squads. Acting on the information received from consumers and the control room, these Nodal Officers are taking prompt action to address complaints. All Sub-Divisional Officers have been designated as Senior Officer Incharge of the task forces/mechanisms formed at the block level for redressal of domestic LPG gas-related complaints within their respective jurisdictions and have been directed to ensure effective action. Opinions are also being solicited from consumers, respected public representatives, and the general public. Instructions have been issued to register FIRs promptly and arrest individuals involved in black marketing, hoarding, or selling at exorbitant prices upon receiving complaints. The District Magistrate said that there is no situation of fear and panic among the people. Consumers are booking strictly on the basis of genuine need. That is, no unnecessary booking is being done. Consumers are inclined to book only as per need. The authorities are maintaining continuous contact and dialogue with all stakeholders including consumers, gas agencies, and respected public representatives and are actively soliciting their opinions and suggestions. The Secretary Incharge also inspected the District LPG Gas Helpline and reviewed the actions taken with regard to the complaints received. The District Magistrate stated that for monitoring LPG gas-related matters, a 24x7 helpline/district control room equipped with five shelter lines has been established at the district level.