Patna: The Bihar government has directed all districts to intensify vigilance and monitoring to prevent black marketing of domestic LPG cylinders. The order was issued during a review meeting on Thursday chaired by development commissioner Mihir Kumar Singh, who assessed the situation in light of the current global energy crisis.
Senior officials including director general of police Vinay Kumar and additional chief secretary (home) Arvind Kumar Chaudhary attended the meeting along with divisional commissioners, deputy inspectors general of police and representatives of petroleum companies. The officials discussed steps to ensure uninterrupted supply of cooking gas across the state.
Mihir Singh instructed district magistrates and superintendents of police to strictly curb illegal storage, unauthorised sales and black marketing of LPG cylinders. Authorities have also been asked to conduct regular inspections of gas agencies, warehouses and the distribution network, and to take immediate legal action against individuals or agencies found violating the rules.
Arvind Chaudhary said special monitoring drives should be carried out in all districts to prevent misuse of domestic LPG cylinders for commercial purposes. Police have also been directed to closely monitor social media to prevent rumours and act swiftly against those involved in black marketing.
Officials further instructed districts to set up control rooms to address public complaints related to LPG distribution. The district administration and police have been asked to coordinate closely and ensure that consumers do not face difficulties in accessing gas cylinders.
Representatives from petroleum companies said there was no shortage of LPG in the state. Indian Oil Corporation executive director and Bihar–Jharkhand state head Anup Kumar Samantaray said domestic LPG cylinders are adequately available and supply remains normal, urging consumers not to panic or stockpile unnecessarily.
He added that the OTP verification system has been temporarily suspended due to a technical issue. Officials also confirmed that the supply of petrol, diesel and PNG gas in Bihar remains stable. He said the government is fully committed to protecting consumer interests and will take all necessary steps to ensure smooth fuel distribution.
