Surat: Amid a shortage of LPG supply triggered by the conflict in the Gulf, the Surat district administration has allowed institutions providing essential services — such as schools and hospitals — to use commercial gas cylinders.At least 15 organizations were granted permission to use commercial cooking gas cylinders on Saturday. Officials said more applications are under scrutiny and approvals will be given if institutions meet the required criteria.An official from the district supply office (DSO) said the decision was taken to ensure that food services and other essential operations at educational institutions and hospitals are not disrupted.The district collector also directed Gujarat Gas to provide pending piped natural gas (PNG) connections without delay wherever the network has reached. Gas companies were instructed to process applications quickly and expand the network where possible.Meanwhile, a special team from the state supply department in Gandhinagar conducted inspections in Surat following reports of black marketing of cooking gas. The team carried out surprise checks at LPG agencies across the city and rural areas.Officials inspected more than 50 gas agencies, examining cylinder stock, distribution registers, booking records and details of supply to customers. The team also checked whether domestic LPG cylinders were being used for commercial purposes.According to officials, no clear evidence of black marketing or irregularities was found during the inquiry, and records at the agencies were largely in order. However, monitoring will continue and further inspections may be conducted.On Friday, teams from the DSO and the city police’s special operations group also conducted checks at an LPG distributor and warehouse, examining stock and documentation.
