Gorakhpur District Administration Cracks Down on LPG Black Marketing
In a decisive move to address public concerns, Gorakhpur District Magistrate Deepak Meena stated on Wednesday that there is no shortage of cooking gas in the district. He issued a stern warning, emphasizing that strict legal action will be taken against individuals or entities spreading rumors or engaging in black marketing of LPG cylinders.
Appeal for Calm and Proper Distribution
Meena appealed to residents to avoid panic and unnecessary stockpiling of cylinders based on unfounded rumors. "Every consumer will receive LPG cylinders as per established rules. Citizens should not believe or circulate rumors about scarcity," he asserted. To streamline the distribution process, the administration has implemented an OTP-based booking and delivery system, designed to ensure smooth and equitable access to LPG supplies. The DM highlighted that panic booking or hoarding could severely disrupt the supply chain, urging cooperation from the public.
Administrative Actions Against Irregularities
The district administration has directed all gas agencies to prevent any artificial shortage of LPG. During recent inspections, serious irregularities were uncovered, leading to immediate action. In one case, 525 domestic LPG cylinders dispatched from a bottling plant in GIDA to Ashish Indane Gas Service on March 10 were allegedly not fully unloaded at the agency. Instead, the truck was taken back to Gorakhpur city, where the cylinders were reportedly sold at inflated prices in various areas.
Following a warehouse inspection on Tuesday, major discrepancies were confirmed, prompting the registration of an FIR at GIDA Police Station. The case was filed under Section 3/7 of the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, against agency owner Pawan Verma, transporter Prestige Murti, truck driver Ali Mohammad, and another employee.
Further Investigations and Public Impact
Subsequent inspections at Kanhaiya Indane Gas Service revealed similar stock discrepancies, indicating misuse of domestic LPG cylinders. Action is being taken against the agency operator under the Essential Commodities Act, with an FIR in the process of registration. Meena warned that any instance of black marketing by gas agencies or middlemen would result in FIRs and legal consequences.
Despite these assurances, long queues of people carrying empty cylinders were observed outside several gas agencies across Gorakhpur, reflecting ongoing public anxiety. The administration continues to monitor the situation closely to ensure compliance and fair distribution.
