Ludhiana Deputy Commissioner Takes Action to Alleviate LPG Shortage Crisis
In a decisive move to address the ongoing liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) shortage plaguing Ludhiana district, Deputy Commissioner Himanshu Jain issued critical directives on Monday. He has mandated oil marketing companies (OMCs) and LPG gas agencies to immediately restore the supply of non-domestic LPG cylinders to 50% of the levels observed before the crisis began.
Strict Compliance Ordered During High-Level Meeting
The instructions were formally delivered during a high-level meeting chaired by Deputy Commissioner Jain. The session included representatives from major oil marketing corporations such as Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL), and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL), alongside operators of LPG gas agencies functioning within the district.
Jain explicitly ordered OMCs and gas agencies to resume non-domestic LPG supply without any further delays. He issued a stern warning that any complaints regarding non-compliance with these directives would be addressed rigorously under the stringent provisions of the Essential Commodities Act, which empowers authorities to take legal action against violations affecting essential goods.
Streamlined Procedures for Industrial and Commercial Establishments
To mitigate the impact on workers and laborers, the deputy commissioner advised all industrial and commercial establishments to coordinate closely with gas agencies that supply 5kg Free Trade LPG (FTL) cylinders. The goal is to eliminate the need for prolonged waiting in extensive queues, which have become a common sight during the shortage.
Jain provided crucial clarification that only a photo identity card is required for obtaining FTL LPG cylinders, with no address proof necessary. This simplification aims to expedite access for those in need, particularly in labor-intensive sectors.
Incentives for Transition to Piped Natural Gas (PNG)
In a forward-looking initiative, Jain directed that industries submitting a formal undertaking expressing readiness to shift to piped natural gas (PNG) be supplied with up to 70% of the pre-crisis level of non-domestic LPG. These industries have been instructed to coordinate their efforts with the district food and supplies controller (DFSC) office to facilitate this transition.
Additionally, all non-domestic consumers have been instructed to submit end-use certificates to their respective LPG distributors. This measure is designed to ensure transparency and proper allocation of resources during the supply restoration process.
Enhanced Monitoring and Sector-Wise Control Rooms
To guarantee effective oversight and compliance, Deputy Commissioner Jain has established a district-level committee. This committee will be headed by the additional chief administrator of the Greater Ludhiana Area Development Authority (Glada) and will be responsible for supervising LPG distribution across the district.
The district administration has also set up sector-wise control rooms to regulate LPG supply more efficiently. Specific officials have been designated to oversee distribution for key sectors:
- Hospitals: Civil Surgeon Dr. Ramandeep Kaur and Sanjeev Kumar, Superintendent of the Civil Surgeon Office.
- Educational Institutions: District Education Officer (Secondary) Dimple Madan, Deputy DEO Amandeep Singh, and Deputy DEO Manoj Kumar.
- Industrial Canteens: Angad Singh Sohi, General Manager of the District Industries Centre.
- Weddings, Restaurants, and Dhabas in Ludhiana City: AFSO Cherry Bhatia and AFSO Nitin Kalia.
- Raikot and Jagraon: AFSO Beant Singh.
- Khanna, Samrala, and Payal: AFSO Harbhajan Singh.
Zero Tolerance for Diversion and Hoarding
Jain issued a clear warning that any instances of diversion or hoarding of LPG would result in the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) under the relevant legal provisions. This strict stance is intended to curb malpractices that exacerbate the shortage, such as black marketing, which has been reported amid the crisis.
Background of Resident Hardships
Residents of Ludhiana have been grappling with significant difficulties in procuring LPG cylinders since the onset of the shortage. Numerous gas agencies have witnessed long queues, with widespread complaints suggesting possible hoarding and black marketing activities. These challenges have disrupted daily life and business operations, prompting the deputy commissioner's urgent intervention to restore normalcy and ensure equitable distribution.
