The Haryana government has assured citizens that the supply of domestic LPG cylinders in the state is normal, even as authorities continue to take strict action against black marketing and illegal use of cooking gas. The statement comes amid concerns among consumers about availability and delays in delivery.
State food, civil supplies and consumer affairs minister Rajesh Nagar said that the situation is fully under control and there is no need for panic. He emphasised that the government and administration are closely monitoring the supply chain to ensure that households receive LPG cylinders without disruption.
The minister also revealed that strict action has been taken against those involved in illegal activities related to LPG distribution. So far, 12 FIRs have been registered across the state in connection with black marketing and misuse of domestic gas cylinders.
As part of the enforcement drive, authorities have seized around 169 LPG cylinders from different districts. These include 18 cylinders in Kurukshetra, 60 in Narnaul, 5 in Karnal, 21 in Ambala, 28 in Kharkhoda, 18 in Faridabad, and 19 in Jind.
Officials said these cylinders were either being used illegally for commercial purposes or were part of black marketing operations. Domestic LPG is subsidised and meant only for household use, so its misuse affects availability for regular consumers.
The minister explained that district-level committees have been formed to deal with such issues. These committees include deputy commissioners, superintendents of police, and officials from the civil supplies department. They are responsible for taking immediate action whenever complaints are received.
Authorities have also increased inspections at gas agencies and distribution points. Surprise checks are being conducted to ensure that no irregularities take place and that cylinders are distributed fairly.
Rajesh Nagar urged citizens to cooperate with the government by booking cylinders only as per their normal needs. He warned that panic booking or hoarding could create unnecessary pressure on the system.
Despite the government’s assurance, some consumers in parts of Haryana have reported difficulties in getting LPG cylinders on time. In Fatehabad, a group of residents staged a protest after long waiting times at a gas agency.
Reports suggest that hundreds of people had gathered outside the agency early in the morning, some as early as 4:30 am, hoping to get cylinders. However, when the stock ran out, frustrated consumers blocked a nearby road for about an hour.
One of the consumers said he had booked a cylinder several days earlier but had not received any update. Others also complained about repeated visits to the agency without success and expressed dissatisfaction with the behaviour of staff.
ALSO READ: Afghanistan and Pakistan agree to temporary ceasefire ahead of Eid amid rising tensions
The protest was later called off after local police and administrative officials intervened. They assured the crowd that arrangements would be made to supply cylinders soon.
A similar situation was reported in Hansi, where a large number of consumers reached a gas agency after hearing about limited stock. The agency owner had to call the police as the crowd grew and supplies ran out quickly. Customers were assured that fresh stock would arrive within two days.
These incidents highlight the gap between official claims and ground-level experiences in some areas. While the overall supply may be stable, distribution challenges and high demand in certain locations are causing temporary issues.
Experts say such situations can arise due to sudden demand spikes, logistical delays, or local supply chain disruptions. However, they also stress that timely communication and proper management by gas agencies can help reduce public frustration.
In conclusion, the Haryana government maintains that there is no shortage of domestic LPG and that the situation is under control. Strong action against black marketing and illegal use is being taken to protect consumer interests.
At the same time, recent protests show that some consumers are still facing difficulties in accessing cylinders. Addressing these concerns quickly will be important to maintain public trust and ensure smooth supply.
As authorities continue to monitor the situation, cooperation between the government, gas agencies, and consumers will play a key role in managing demand and ensuring that LPG reaches every household without disruption.
Copyright © © 2022 Copyright. All Rights Reserved with Arth Parkash