PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE /Dehradun
There is no shortage of domestic LPG cylinders in Uttarakhand while there is a slight shortage of commercial gas cylinders and steps are being taken to increase their supply, said the food secretary Anand Swaroop while addressing a press conference here on Saturday. “Petrol and diesel stocks in the state are normal and their supply is regular, with no shortage reported,” he claimed.
Swaroop further informed that the Uttarakhand government had held a high-level meeting to review the supply of gas and fuel in view of the current global situation. “During the meeting, officials said that domestic LPG supply is mostly normal across the state. Hospitals and educational institutions are receiving regular gas supply. However, some districts reported a shortage of commercial cylinders and requested an increase in supply,” he stated.
The Food secretary further said that currently there is a shortage of around 2 lakh cylinders in the state, but efforts are being made to reduce it quickly. He added that priority will be given to supplying cylinders in important and high-need areas first.
To ensure that business activities are not affected, the department has fixed the supply of 5,300 commercial cylinders. The secretary also said that to stop black marketing of cylinders, 4,478 inspections have been conducted till Friday and raids were carried out at 87 locations.
So far, 15 FIRs have been registered and seven people have been arrested. In addition, 811 cylinders have been seized and fines of more than Rs 85,000 have been collected.
Swaroop said that oil companies have been asked to increase the supply of commercial cylinders as per government rules. “There is no shortage of fertilizers either in the state and adequate stock is available. District authorities have been instructed to ensure proper distribution and prevent misuse,” he added.
The meeting also discussed preparations for the upcoming Char Dham Yatra, starting from April 19. “Officials said that demand for commercial gas cylinders will increase during the yatra. The government has thus asked for additional supply and directed oil companies to ensure availability along the yatra route,” he said.Swaroop added that police have been instructed to increase surveillance at international borders to prevent smuggling of gas and fertilizers. “The government is also planning to provide two temporary gas connections for weddings,” he informed.
