Jharkhand LPG Crisis: Minister Sets One-Week Deadline to Clear All Backlogs
In a decisive move to address the ongoing LPG cylinder shortage, Jharkhand's Food and Civil Supplies Minister, Irfan Ansari, declared on Thursday that all pending backlogs across the state will be resolved within a strict timeframe of seven days. This announcement came after a high-level review meeting focused on the escalating gas supply crisis, where Ansari emphasized the urgency of normalizing the situation to ensure public convenience.
Review Meeting Highlights and Minister's Directives
Chairing the critical review session, Minister Ansari addressed the media with a firm commitment, stating, "The gas supply situation across Jharkhand must be normalized within seven days, and all pending orders must be resolved without further delay." He issued a stern warning, indicating that strict action would be taken against any agencies found guilty of negligence in clearing the accumulated backlogs. This proactive stance aims to hold distributors accountable and streamline delivery processes.
Districts with Highest Pending Orders Identified
During the meeting, specific data revealed the districts most affected by the LPG backlog. Ranchi leads with a staggering 84,516 pending orders, followed closely by Jamshedpur with 55,118 and Dhanbad with 49,313. Ansari noted that while these areas face the brunt of the crisis, other districts across Jharkhand also report significant numbers of unresolved deliveries, underscoring the widespread nature of the issue.
Root Causes and Official Assurances
Contrary to public perception of a cylinder scarcity, representatives from petroleum companies assured the minister that there is no actual shortage of LPG supplies in the state. Instead, they attributed the backlog to panic booking by consumers, triggered by the onset of conflict in West Asia. This surge in demand overwhelmed the delivery systems, leading to the current delays. In response, Ansari has directed these companies to expedite clearance efforts and restore normalcy promptly.
Strict Measures Against Malpractices
Beyond addressing the backlog, Minister Ansari outlined stringent measures to combat related malpractices. He warned LPG distributors against delivering cylinders to consumers on roads, a practice that compromises safety and efficiency. Additionally, he issued directives for strict action against individuals involved in black marketing or hoarding of gas supplies, aiming to curb illegal activities that exacerbate the crisis.
Public Appeal and Administrative Support
In a bid to reassure citizens, Ansari appealed to the public not to panic, emphasizing that timely doorstep delivery would be ensured for everyone. This message aligns with earlier efforts by the Ranchi district administration, which on Saturday issued a directive prohibiting customers from visiting LPG godowns and depots to collect cylinders, thereby reducing congestion and promoting orderly distribution.
The minister's comprehensive approach—combining clear deadlines, data-driven insights, and anti-corruption measures—signals a robust effort to resolve Jharkhand's LPG crisis swiftly and effectively, restoring trust in the state's supply chain.
