Ranchi: Deputy commissioner Manjunath Bhajantri has called upon the Federation of Jharkhand Chamber of Commerce and Industries (FJCCI) to spread awareness among public to prevent unnecessary panic bookings of LPG cylinders.During a high-level meeting with an FJCCI delegation on Thursday late evening, the DC emphasised the pivotal role of the business community in disseminating accurate information. “The Chamber plays a crucial role in this regard, as business organisations can prove highly effective in spreading awareness within society,” Bhajantri said.
As a long-term solution to the current volatility, the DC urged the trade body to encourage a shift towards piped natural gas (PNG). Under the City Gas Distribution (CGD) project spearheaded by GAIL (India) Limited, PNG infrastructure is expanding rapidly across Ranchi, with over 24,000 households already integrated into the network. Residents in areas with existing pipeline grids have been advised to apply for new connections via the toll-free number 1800-123-121111.The meeting was prompted by growing anxieties within the local business sector. FJCCI president Aditya Malhotra painted a grim picture of the current shortage, revealing a staggering backlog of approximately 60,000 domestic cylinders. “The crisis is real,” Malhotra said. “Commercial cylinders are being strictly prioritised for essential services, such as hospitals and educational institutions.”The Federation highlighted that industries reliant on LPG, including almirah manufacturing, plastics, and metalwork, have seen production lines grind to a halt. The hospitality sector is equally embattled, with restaurants struggling to remain operational. “The uncertainty is creating a sense of panic and impacting the overall economic health of the region, leading to a direct threat of labour layoffs,” Malhotra added.In response to these concerns, Bhajantri informed the delegation that a team of senior district officials has been tasked with conducting continuous inspections and submitting regular reports to monitor the LPG supply chain.The FJCCI said that their primary objective was to seek clarity on the administration’s roadmap. “Citizens and business owners require official assurance to mitigate panic and understand the reality of the distribution mode,” Malhotra concluded.
