Buxar: Amid concerns over hoarding and black marketing, administrations across multiple districts have stepped up surveillance and enforcement measures to ensure uninterrupted supply of LPG cylinders. Officials in Buxar, Bhojpur, Araria, and Madhubani on Tuesday carried out inspections, reviewed stock positions, and appealed to consumers not to panic, stating that adequate supplies are available and strict action will be taken against any violations.Acting on the directive of Buxar district magistrate Sahila, a district-wide inspection drive was conducted on Tuesday.Special teams, comprising magistrates and administrative officers along with police personnel, inspected 27 gas agencies in the district. The teams reviewed stock positions, distribution system, and supply procedures. Officials confirmed that LPG supply remains normal across Buxar, with no shortage reported.According to official data, 22,283 cylinders were distributed between March 13 and 16, while around 3,200 cylinders were in stock as of March 16. The administration has made it clear that consumers should not be made to stand in queues at agencies or warehouses for cylinder distribution. Any violation will invite legal action against the agency concerned.The Bhojpur district administration on Tuesday assured people that the supply of domestic LPG cylinders in the district is adequate.“As many as 30 distributors of Indane collectively have 5,626 cylinders, similarly six Bharat Gas has 1,280, while nine Hindustan Petroleum distributors have 4,411 ready for dispatch,” a statement from the Bhojpur DM office said on Tuesday.The administration warned that any information received regarding black marketing of cylinders would invite strict action under the Essential Commodities Act.“A district- level control room (06182-248702) has been set up to address grievances related to LPG distribution,” said an official.In Araria, district magistrate Vinod Duhan on Tuesday said the district has adequate stock of both domestic and commercial gas cylinders, with supplies exceeding demand.Addressing a press conference, the DM said a dedicated control room has been activated and is functioning round the clock to promptly address consumers’ complaints.To further streamline distribution, the DM convened a meeting with gas agency distributors and area managers of oil companies. They were directed to ensure hassle-free supply of cylinders.In Madhubani, DM Anand Sharma and SP Yogendra Kumar on Tuesday said the district has adequate supply of LPG cylinders, asking the residents not to panic.So far, three FIRs have been registered against violators. The officials said cases related to black marketing and hoarding will undergo speedy trials.(With inputs from Praveen in Ara, L P Nayak in Araria and C S Jha Azad in Madhubani)
