Bihar LPG Supply Declared Normal Amid Consumer Panic Booking Surge
Oil marketing companies (OMCs) have firmly stated that domestic LPG supply in Bihar is operating normally, dismissing rumors of a significant shortage. They attribute the current backlog in cylinder deliveries primarily to a sudden spike in panic bookings by consumers, rather than any supply chain disruption.
Officials Address Delivery Backlogs and Supply Chain Stability
At a press conference coordinated with the agriculture department in Patna, A K Samantaray, executive director and state head of the Bihar State Office, provided detailed insights. He explained that the delivery backlog is largely due to an unexpected surge in bookings, with an average of 3.80 lakh LPG cylinders being delivered daily across the state. A backlog of approximately 4.5 days is being systematically cleared based on scheduled booking lists.
Samantaray clarified that while new LPG connections have been temporarily suspended due to the ongoing West Asia crisis, the overall supply chain remains robust and stable. He urged consumers to avoid gathering outside distributors' offices or making panic bookings, instead advising them to patiently wait for home deliveries.
Procedures for 5kg LPG Cylinders and Enforcement Actions
Samantaray outlined the process for obtaining 5kg LPG cylinders, targeting students and migrant laborers. Applicants must visit their nearest distributor, submit an Aadhaar card, and deposit the cost of the cylinder and regulator. They can then exchange empty cylinders for sealed refilled ones by depositing Rs 625 and returning the empty unit. He emphasized that there is no refilling of LPG cylinders, ensuring safety and compliance.
In terms of enforcement, Samantaray reported that 2,085 cylinders have been seized and 119 FIRs registered against distributors for violations, highlighting efforts to maintain market integrity.
Supply Statistics and Digital Advancements
Providing broader context, Samantaray noted that Bihar receives an average of 4,550 kilolitres of petrol and 9,120 kilolitres of diesel daily through 3,697 retail outlets and eight depots. LPG is supplied to approximately 23.3 million consumers via 2,028 distributors, with priority given to hospitals, schools, and essential services. Additionally, there are about 1 lakh PNG connections in the state, with 8,000 new connections added in the last month alone.
Amit Mittal, state head (LPG) at Bharat Petroleum, added that the supply chain has improved in recent days, bringing the situation under control. He announced that producing an Aadhaar card is now mandatory for distributing 5kg LPG cylinders to enhance transparency and ensure rightful beneficiary access. Special awareness camps will be organized in student-populated areas to promote safe LPG usage.
Rejection of Tampering Allegations and Digital Growth
Officials strongly rejected allegations of cylinder tampering, explaining that LPG cylinders are equipped with tamper-proof seals to deter black marketing. They also refuted claims of nozzle tampering at petrol pumps, noting that dispensing nozzles feature auto-cut sensors, and consumers can lodge complaints if malfunctions occur.
On the digital front, the rate of digital LPG bookings has increased from 70% to 93% over the past two months. The delivery authentication code (DAC) protocol is now implemented in about 90% of deliveries, streamlining operations and enhancing security.
Fertilizer Availability and Agricultural Coordination
Director of agriculture Saurabh Suman Yadav assured that fertilizer availability is adequate across all districts, urging farmers not to panic. Inspection teams are conducting raids to prevent black marketing and overpricing. Coordination with the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) has been established in districts bordering Nepal to curb fertilizer smuggling.
Yadav provided detailed stock figures as of April 6: urea at 2.88 lakh metric tonnes, DAP at 1.44 lakh metric tonnes, NPK at 2.14 lakh metric tonnes, SSP at 1.02 lakh metric tonnes, and MOP at 0.44 lakh metric tonnes. Enforcement actions include FIRs against 11 establishments, revocation of licences for 13 fertiliser establishments, and suspension for 92 others. Control rooms have been set up at state and district levels to assist farmers effectively.
