Dehradun: Uttarakhand’s administration has intensified its crackdown on LPG irregularities, with raids conducted across the state to curb hoarding and black marketing.
Between March 10 and 12, the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department inspected 280 locations, raided 58, and seized 74 LPG cylinders stored illegally.
Four FIRs were registered during the operation
Commissioner Ruchi Mohan Raiyal confirmed that four FIRs were registered during the operation. Along with the cylinders, a weighing scale and two refilling kits were also seized. The department imposed fines amounting to Rs 4,600 for irregularities found during inspections.
The Commissioner emphasized that the state government is fully committed to ensuring LPG and fuel reach consumers at fair prices. She warned that hoarding, black marketing, or illegal refilling will not be tolerated, and strict legal action will be taken against violators.
Dehradun Under Tight Watch
In Dehradun, District Magistrate Savin Bansal has placed all 72 gas agencies under strict monitoring. He directed sub-district magistrates to conduct random inspections of stock, distribution, and backlog, with police support. Agencies found guilty of illegal storage or refilling will be sealed immediately.
The DM stressed that domestic consumers must be given first priority in LPG distribution. To ensure transparency, home delivery of domestic cylinders will now be conducted through an OTP-based system. This measure is expected to prevent irregularities and restore consumer confidence.
Manual Booking and Consumer Awareness
Agencies have been instructed to provide contact numbers and allow manual booking if online systems face disruptions. Once a booking is completed, the next booking will only be allowed after 25 days. Companies must also send SMS updates to consumers and display awareness flex boards at agency premises.
Action Against Commercial Misuse
Hotels and commercial establishments will be closely monitored. If domestic cylinders are found being used commercially, strict action will be taken under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955 and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Cylinders will be confiscated, and culprits may face jail time.
With 7.81 lakh domestic consumers and 19,624 commercial consumers in Dehradun alone, Hospitals and hostels, however, will be given priority in the distribution of commercial cylinders to ensure uninterrupted services. Oil companies have been directed to maintain timely supply to agencies as per demand.
Control Room for Complaints
To address consumer grievances quickly, a control room has been set up in the Disaster Control Room. Citizens can call 1077, 0135-2626066, 0135-2726066, or WhatsApp 7534826066 for complaints or information related to LPG cylinders. The administration has appealed to people not to believe rumours and assured that supply is being managed.