Odisha Government Implements Strict Measures to Curb LPG Black Marketing
In a significant move to combat the rampant black marketing of LPG cylinders, the Odisha government has announced a complete ban on the sale of cylinders in the open market. Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Krushna Chandra Patra made this announcement on Sunday, detailing a series of stringent regulations aimed at ensuring fair distribution and availability of cooking gas for genuine consumers.
Mandatory e-KYC for All Domestic Consumers
The cornerstone of the new policy is the mandatory completion of e-KYC for all domestic LPG consumers. Minister Patra emphasized that this measure is designed to verify the authenticity of consumers and prevent unauthorized individuals from procuring cylinders for resale at inflated prices. "The LPG distributors have been instructed to supply cylinders only to those consumers who have successfully completed their e-KYC process," Patra stated during a press briefing in Bhubaneswar.
He further clarified that only licensed LPG distributors are now authorized to sell cylinders, effectively putting an end to the previous practice where anyone could purchase a cylinder and sell it in the open market. "From this day forward, LPG cylinders will not be available in any open markets across the state," the minister declared.
Immediate Ban on 5kg Cylinder Sales
In a parallel action, the sale of 5kg LPG cylinders has been prohibited with immediate effect. Minister Patra labeled these cylinders as illegal and warned LPG dealers against their distribution. This ban is part of the broader crackdown on unauthorized sales practices that have contributed to scarcity and price gouging.
Addressing Supply Concerns and Enforcement Actions
Responding to complaints about cylinder scarcity, Patra assured the public that there is no disruption in the supply of domestic cylinders. He outlined the current supply timelines: "As per the new guidelines, domestic cylinders are being supplied to urban consumers within 25 days of booking and within 45 days in rural areas."
The minister also highlighted the department's proactive enforcement efforts, noting that they have been largely successful in curbing illegal activities. In a demonstration of this commitment, officials from the Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Department conducted a raid in Dhenkanal town on the same day, seizing 27 LPG cylinders from a gas agency following allegations of black marketing.
Additionally, Patra reassured citizens that the state maintains sufficient stocks of petrol and diesel, indicating no broader fuel supply issues.
Background and Rationale
The decision comes amid numerous complaints from consumers about the unauthorized sale of both domestic and commercial LPG cylinders in the open market at exorbitant rates. Minister Patra explained that the move is specifically directed towards eliminating black marketing, which has created artificial scarcity and made cylinders unaffordable for many households.
"The department has been vigilant in its efforts to address this issue," Patra said. "By mandating e-KYC and restricting sales to authorized dealers only, we aim to ensure that cylinders reach genuine consumers efficiently and at regulated prices."
This comprehensive policy shift represents a determined effort by the Odisha government to streamline LPG distribution, enhance transparency, and protect consumer interests against exploitative practices in the cooking gas market.
