Kanpur District Magistrate Takes Firm Stand Against LPG Black Marketing
In a decisive move to safeguard consumer interests, Kanpur District Magistrate Jitendra Pratap Singh has issued stringent directives to curb the black marketing and hoarding of domestic LPG cylinders. The action came during a comprehensive review meeting held on Tuesday, focusing on the availability and supply chain of petrol, diesel, and domestic LPG across the district.
Strict Vigilance and Supply Protocols Enforced
DM Singh emphasized the need for strict vigilance by officials to prevent any illegal activities related to LPG cylinders. He directed gas companies to adhere to a first in, first out basis for cylinder supply, ensuring older stock is dispatched before newer batches. This measure aims to maintain freshness and efficiency in distribution.
Furthermore, Singh clarified that domestic cylinders will be supplied exclusively at consumers' homes, eliminating the need for customers to visit gas agencies. The OTP system remains mandatory to enhance security and transparency in deliveries.
Reassurance on Adequate LPG Availability
Addressing concerns over potential shortages, the District Magistrate appealed to citizens to ignore rumors about gas scarcity. He assured that there is adequate availability of domestic LPG in Kanpur, and no inconvenience will be tolerated for consumers.
Representatives from petroleum companies—Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL)—confirmed during the meeting that the district has sufficient stock of domestic LPG cylinders. They reported that the supply chain is operating completely normally, with smooth fuel distribution across 319 operational petrol pumps.
Prioritized Supply for Essential Services
DM Singh outlined a priority system for cylinder distribution:
- Hospitals and educational institutions will receive cylinders on priority through commercial connections.
- Once the supply chain stabilizes further, cylinders will be extended to all other commercial connection holders.
Currently, Kanpur district has 11,44,075 active LPG consumers, highlighting the scale of the supply network under review. Key officials present at the meeting included Additional District Magistrate (Civil Supply) Rajesh Kumar and District Supply Officer Rakesh Kumar Singh, underscoring the administrative commitment to this issue.
This proactive approach by the district administration aims to ensure uninterrupted access to essential fuels, reinforcing public trust and preventing market exploitation during times of high demand.
