Guwahati: Tightening oversight on the distribution of LPG, Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) has suspended five distributors across Assam with immediate effect.The distributors are BM Gas Service in Tezpur (Sonitpur), Biswanath Gas Distributor in Biswanath district, Gadadhar Gas Service in Dhubri district, KA Indane Gramin Vitrak in Barpeta district, and Prakash Indane Agency in Hojai district. The action follows intensified monitoring of LPG supply chains across the state.An IOCL official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the suspensions were based on operational irregularities at the agency level. “While digitally booked orders — where customers receive a delivery authentication code (DAC) — are generally considered genuine, many distributors were found processing deliveries manually, raising concerns over authenticity. Additionally, the first-in, first-out system was not properly followed, with customers who booked earlier often not receiving their cylinders on time.”In Tezpur city of Sonitpur district, IOCL suspended the LPG distributorship due to serious process violations in cylinder delivery. These included failure to ensure DAC and PDC verification, poor compliance marked by low digital booking and e-KYC rates, mounting customer complaints over delays and deficient service, and a backlog of over 1,400 deliveries pending beyond five days — indicating persistent operational inefficiency.In a social media post, Assam chief secretary Ravi Kota wrote, “Against the backdrop of the prevailing situation in West Asia, and in alignment with the action plan of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Government of India, intensified monitoring of LPG supplies is underway across the State at both State and district levels in coordination with Oil Marketing Companies. This has led to the detection of certain irregularities in distribution practices and compliance adherence, warranting this action...”He also reassured that the overall LPG supply position remains stable, with adequate availability. Assam has secured an additional 10% allocation for commercial LPG, taking the total to 70%, while domestic consumers continue to receive full allocation. He reaffirmed the govt’s zero tolerance towards irregularities in the distribution of essential commodities, adding that the situation is under close watch to safeguard public interest and ensure seamless supply.
