Gurgaon Implements Strict Measures to Combat LPG Hoarding and Black-Marketing
In a decisive move to address the escalating gas supply crisis, the District Food Supply Controller (DFSC) department in Gurgaon has issued stringent directives to liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) distributors. On Saturday, officials mandated that all gas distributors submit daily reports detailing cylinder supply and delivery to curb hoarding and illegal sales.
Daily Reporting Mandate and WhatsApp Monitoring
During a crucial meeting held at the mini secretariat, Food Supply Controller Ashok Kumar instructed distributors to provide comprehensive daily accounts. These reports must include the precise number of cylinders received from oil companies and the corresponding number delivered to consumers. To streamline this process, the department has established a dedicated WhatsApp group encompassing all 58 gas distributors operating within the district.
"Each distributor is required to submit their daily report directly in this group," emphasized Kumar. "Any distributor found engaging in illegal cylinder sales will face immediate registration of FIRs. It is imperative that cylinders are delivered strictly in accordance with established booking rules to ensure fairness and transparency."
Industry Response and Consumer Advisory
Shashi Kant Sharma, Vice-President of the LPG Distributors Association, acknowledged the collaborative efforts with authorities. "We are in constant communication with the officials and are working overtime to ensure LPG cylinders reach the people," Sharma stated. He further urged consumers to avoid panic bookings, reassuring that domestic consumers remain the top priority for supply distribution.
PNG Supply Constraints and Revised Tariff Structure
Simultaneously, Haryana City Gas has issued a critical advisory to piped natural gas (PNG) consumers, warning of potential supply restrictions and increased tariffs for excessive consumption. Company Market Officer Parth Tyagi attributed these measures to the ongoing crisis in West Asia, which has severely impacted natural gas availability from suppliers.
"The situation may trigger the force majeure clause in our Gas Supply Agreement," explained Tyagi. This contractual provision relieves parties from fulfilling obligations during extraordinary and uncontrollable events such as war, natural disasters, or pandemics. "Depending on the extent of gas flow restrictions, we may have to curtail PNG supply to manage the limited resources effectively."
To manage the constrained supply, the company will bill consumers based on their six-month average consumption. A revised tariff structure has been implemented, dividing charges into three categories:
- Rs 90 per kg for consumption up to 80 standard cubic metres (SCM)
- Rs 140 per kg for consumption between 80 to 100 SCM
- Rs 190 per kg for usage exceeding 100 SCM
Impact on Local Consumers and Migrant Workers
Gurgaon district receives approximately 3 lakh SCM of gas daily, servicing around 7,000 consumers including hotels, restaurants, and industries. Officials assert that these measures are designed to ensure equitable distribution of LPG and prudent management of PNG consumption during the ongoing supply constraints.
The crisis has disproportionately affected migrant workers, many of whom previously relied on cylinders purchased from the black market at inflated prices. While government rates hover around Rs 900 per cylinder, black-market prices have skyrocketed to Rs 4,000-5,000, placing them beyond the reach of numerous low-income households.
"We simply cannot afford to pay such exorbitant amounts for a single cylinder," lamented Rani, a domestic worker residing in Sector 48. "As a result, we have resorted to cooking with wood, which is both inconvenient and less efficient."
The combined actions by the DFSC department and Haryana City Gas underscore a proactive approach to mitigating the gas supply crisis, aiming to protect consumers from exploitation while navigating the challenges posed by international geopolitical tensions affecting energy resources.
