Patna: District magistrate (DM), Thiyagarajan S M, chaired a meeting of the 15-member district-level task force under the crisis management group to coordinate the distribution of essential goods and services. The DM directed officials to ensure the availability of essential services and protect the interests of migrant workers following the crisis in West Asia.Official reports indicate that over 1.5 lakh consumers in the district remain on the waitlist for LPG cylinders as on March 31. However, data show that the daily distribution ranges from 35,000 to 40,000 cylinders.While the administration maintained that supply is sufficient, the issue has persisted for over a month. Hostels have shifted to coal, and small food shops have closed. Some residents are allegedly getting cylinders from the black market at double the market price.In another meeting at the collectorate, Dr B Rajender, in charge secretary for Patna district and additional chief secretary of the general administration and education department, reviewed the status of LPG and fuel supplies.Rajender directed the officials that PNG connections be provided on a mission mode. “Citizens should switch to this eco-friendly and safe fuel source, which can be applied via digital platforms,” he said.Meanwhile, on the directives of the DM, officials inspected 221 fuel stations across Patna on Tuesday. A network of 28 enforcement teams, led by block supply officers, is monitoring distribution to prevent illegal storage. Zonal and sector magistrates are inspecting commercial establishments to stop diversion of domestic cylinders for commercial purposes. The administration advised people to not panic and use digital methods to book cylinders.
