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Patna Forms 28 Raid Teams to Crack Down on LPG Black Marketing

The Patna district administration has constituted 28 special teams to conduct raids and prevent the black marketing and hoarding of LPG cylinders. A dedicated helpline has been set up for residents to register complaints regarding supply and distribution issues. District Magistrate Thiyagarajan SM clarified that there is no cylinder shortage and that bookings are operational through multiple platforms. Officials have been deployed at sector, zonal, and super-zonal levels to supervise distributors and ensure fair practices.

Key Points: Patna Cracks Down on LPG Black Marketing with 28 Raid Teams

  • 28 raiding teams formed
  • Helpline established for complaints
  • No LPG shortage in district
  • Multi-platform booking system
  • Super-zonal magistrates appointed
2 min read

Patna administration forms 28 teams to check LPG black marketing

Patna administration forms 28 teams to prevent LPG hoarding, sets up helpline, and assures sufficient cylinder stock. Learn how to report issues.

"strict legal action, including the registration of FIRs, will be taken against anyone involved in black marketing - District Magistrate"

Patna, March 12

Amid concerns among domestic consumers over LPG availability, the district administration in Patna has taken strict measures to prevent black marketing and hoarding of gas cylinders.

Acting on the directions of District Magistrate Thiyagarajan SM, the administration has constituted 28 raiding teams to closely monitor the supply and distribution of LPG across the district.

To ensure smooth supply and address public grievances, the district administration has also set up a district-level helpline.

Residents can register complaints or share information related to LPG distribution by calling 0612-2219810 between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Officials have assured that complaints will be addressed promptly.

To prevent hoarding and irregularities, the administration has divided LPG agency areas into sector, zonal and super-zonal levels, and officials have been deployed at each level.

Officers at the Block Development Officer (BDO) level have been appointed as sector magistrates, Senior Deputy Collectors as zonal magistrates, and officers at the Additional District Magistrate (ADM) level as super-zonal magistrates in Patna.

These officers will supervise LPG distributors and dealers in their respective areas and ensure fair distribution.

District Magistrate Thiyagarajan SM clarified that there is no shortage of LPG cylinders in the district.

According to the administration, all gas companies and distributors currently have sufficient stock.

He also informed that bookings and deliveries are being carried out through multiple platforms, including missed call, SMS/IVRS, WhatsApp and OTP-based systems, with a 25-day gap between bookings.

The District Magistrate has directed officials to conduct regular inspections and raids at LPG agencies and distributors.

He warned that strict legal action, including the registration of FIRs, will be taken against anyone involved in black marketing or hoarding of LPG cylinders.

At the same time, the administration has urged residents not to panic-book LPG cylinders and to rely on official information, assuring that the situation is under continuous monitoring.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Good initiative by DM Thiyagarajan. But forming 28 teams sounds like a lot of manpower and expense. Wouldn't a tech-based tracking system for cylinders be more efficient and transparent in the long run? The intention is right though.
S
Suresh O
"No shortage" they say, but on ground reality is different. My mother in Patna has been waiting for a refill for 22 days. The 25-day gap rule is fine, but what about timely delivery within that cycle? Hope the zonal magistrates actually work.
A
Ananya R
The panic booking is a real issue. My neighbours book as soon as they get a cylinder, creating artificial scarcity. Public awareness is needed as much as strict raids. Good to see a multi-platform booking system mentioned.
V
Vikram M
Black marketing of LPG is a shameful practice, especially when it affects households. FIR threat is strong, but will it be enforced against powerful distributors? The proof will be in the delivery. Jai Hind.
K
Kavya N
Appointing BDOs and ADMs is a good hierarchical structure for accountability. Hope the helpline is responsive and not always busy. This is essential for working women who manage kitchens and schedules.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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