Nagpur: The City Supply Department has issued a stern warning to gas agencies and laid down guidelines to curb diversion, black-marketing and other irregularities in domestic LPG cylinder distribution.The move followed inspections that found some individuals and delivery boys allegedly misusing domestic cylinders to refill commercial ones, transporting cylinders beyond authorised quantities and supplying them through unauthorised channels. Officials termed the practice “extremely serious” and a direct threat to consumer safety.Gas agencies have been directed to maintain an updated list of all delivery boys, including their names, mobile numbers, vehicle numbers and agency affiliation. The guidelines state that cylinders must not be handed over to delivery personnel without a valid driving licence. Vehicles used for distribution must have valid registration, insurance, PUC, fitness and permit documents, besides displaying the agency’s and oil company’s identification.The number of cylinders issued to each delivery boy must match the valid delivery orders or customer slips in hand. Excess cylinders leaving without proper documentation will be treated as a red flag for misuse or black-marketing. Agencies must also maintain a daily dispatch register and ensure customers are shown the cylinder’s weight, while checking seals, O-rings and valve leakage before delivery.If violations are detected, responsibility will be fixed jointly on the delivery boy, driver and agency holder, the order stated.The order also makes clear that agencies cannot escape accountability by blaming errant delivery staff. Verifying personnel, vehicles, documents and receipts before dispatch remains the agency holder’s responsibility.Non-compliance will invite strict action under the LPG Control Order, 2000, Essential Commodities Act, 1955, Legal Metrology Act, 2009, and Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.
