Patna: District magistrate (DM) Thiyagarajan S M reviewed the availability and distribution of LPG cylinders in the district during a meeting with senior police officials, municipal authorities, and gas company representatives on Sunday.The DM said Patna has 136 LPG agencies catering to 16.65 lakh consumers, handling an average of 25,000-30,000 bookings and around 35,000 deliveries per day. Until now, a total of 10.50 lakh bookings have been made, he added.To further streamline domestic energy supply, the administration is promoting piped natural gas (PNG) through GAIL, with camps being organised to facilitate a digital transition from cylinders to piped connections.Authorities have been instructed to keep a strict watch on black marketing, hoarding and overpricing, with directions to lodge FIRs and arrest those found involved in such practices. The administration has deployed 28 block-level rapid response teams, led by supply officers, to address consumer complaints. Sub-divisional officers are carrying out regular inspections and raids at dealers, while sector and zonal magistrates are monitoring commercial establishments to check the unauthorised use of domestic cylinders.The DM reiterated that there is no shortage of LPG and urged citizens to avoid panic booking or crowding at agencies, as oil marketing companies are providing direct home delivery. Any negligence by officials or distributors will be prosecuted under the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA). A 24×7 district control room and helpline number with five hunting lines have been activated to resolve grievances and coordinate with gas companies based on real-time feedback from the public and representatives.
