PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun
The Food and Civil Supplies minister Rekha Arya informed that the State currently has a stock of 80,861 domestic cylinders and 12,146 commercial cylinders. She said that there is an adequate supply of domestic cylinders in the State. Arya said this on Tuesday after a review of the State’s demand and supply of LPG.
Arya said that the State has 35,55,559 domestic LPG connections and 60,976 commercial connections. She assured that sufficient supplies are arriving daily and confirmed that there are no issues with the delivery of domestic cylinders. She instructed all district supply officers to ensure that cylinders are not distributed from gas agencies or storerooms under any circumstances, but rather that home delivery is provided to all consumers.
Further, Arya stated that commercial gas cylinders are being supplied regularly to hospitals and educational institutions in accordance with the standard operating procedures set by the central government. Gas companies have been directed to provide commercial connections to businesses seeking them within 24 hours of application.
Arya claimed that the State government is taking strict action against black marketing, hoarding and profiteering. So far, raids have been conducted at 173 locations across the State, resulting in a total of 15 FIRs being filed. She made it clear that strict action will be taken against anyone attempting to create an artificial shortage.
Additionally, she informed that efforts are underway to rapidly increase PNG connections in the State. She plans to write a letter to the central government requesting that the No Objection Certificate (NOC) for the PNG line be expedited.
Meanwhile, district supply officers from several districts reported a shortage of supplies from BPCL. In response, the Arya instructed the company’s officials during the meeting to quickly rectify the situation. She warned that if these directives are not followed, a formal complaint will be filed with the central government.
