Patna administration cracks down on LPG hoarding and black marketing; forms 28 flying squads

Patna: Acting on consumer complaints over alleged irregularities in the supply of domestic LPG cylinders, the Patna district administration on Thursday intensified enforcement by registering an FIR, sealing an errant gas agency, and warning of strict action against black marketing, hoarding, and delivery lapses. However, officials maintained that there is no shortage of domestic LPG in the district.

In Patna Sadar subdivision, an FIR was registered at Patliputra police station following a complaint by a domestic LPG consumer on Thursday. A Digha resident alleged that despite booking a cylinder with M/s Utsav Gas Seva in Indrapuri and receiving a delivery confirmation message, the cylinder was not delivered. An FIR was lodged against the agency’s delivery boy, Mukesh, under relevant sections, and further action is underway.




District magistrate (DM) Thiyagrajan SM said the administration remains fully vigilant to ensure that consumers do not face hardship. “No negligence, laxity or irregularity will be tolerated. Clear instructions have been issued to immediately register FIRs and arrest agency owners or individuals involved in black marketing, hoarding or overcharging on receipt of complaints,” he said.

In another action, the sub-divisional officer (SDO), Patna Sadar, conducted a surprise inspection at Sulabh Indane gas distributor in Phulwarisharif. The operator was found absent from the office and reportedly fled after being informed of the inspection.

Following the DM’s directives, the SDO sealed the distributor’s office and registered an FIR at Phulwarisharif police station against the operator. A show-cause notice was also issued, seeking a written explanation within the stipulated timeframe.

Reiterating the administration’s stand, the DM said no compromise would be made on consumer interests. “Any attempt to disrupt fair distribution will invite strict action,” he said.

A dedicated district-level helpline has been set up to monitor and address domestic LPG supply issues. Consumers can report complaints or seek assistance related to availability, delivery delays or irregularities by calling 0612-2219810 between 9am and 6pm daily. The administration assured prompt action on all complaints.

At the block level, 28 flying squads have been constituted to address LPG-related complaints and curb hoarding. Gas dealerships have been assigned enforcement officers and magistrates. LPG agency areas have been divided into sectors, zones and super zones, with block development officers appointed as sector magistrates, senior deputy collectors as zonal magistrates, and additional district magistrates as super zonal magistrates.

The DM clarified that there is no shortage of LPG in Patna district. “All distributors and gas companies have adequate stock. The booking and delivery system is fully functional through missed calls, SMS/IVRS, WhatsApp and OTP-based methods. A mandatory 25-day interval between consecutive bookings has been fixed to regulate demand and prevent panic buying,” he said.

Regular review meetings are being held with gas company officials, area officers, the Additional District Magistrate (Supply), special officers of subdivisions and all SDOs. The district control room is maintaining constant coordination to ensure swift action on consumer feedback.

All SDOs have been directed to conduct regular inspections and surprise raids at LPG dealerships and distribution points. Strict instructions have been issued to curb black marketing and hoarding, with orders to register FIRs against violators.

Urging residents not to panic, the DM said supplies are stable and being closely monitored to prevent any disruption in domestic LPG availability. The DM has also cancelled the leave of all block supply officers and assistant district supply officers in Patna until further orders to ensure uninterrupted monitoring and enforcement