Patna :The Bihar government on Monday reviewed the supply and infrastructure related to liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), piped natural gas (PNG), petrol and diesel across the state.
The review was conducted during the eighth meeting of the Crisis Management Group (CMG), chaired by Chief Secretary Pratyaya Amrit under the Food and Consumer Protection Department.
Officials assessed the status of domestic LPG distribution, PNG network expansion and the availability of motor spirit (petrol) and high-speed diesel (HSD) in all districts.
State reports normal supply situation
According to the government, there is currently no serious or emergency situation related to the availability of LPG or petroleum products in Bihar.
Authorities said all 3,590 retail fuel outlets in the state are functioning normally. As of Monday, available stocks were estimated to be sufficient for approximately 3.5 to 4.5 days, while oil companies reported adequate storage capacity at fuel terminals to meet demand.
Uninterrupted diesel supply for key sectors
The Chief Secretary directed officials and oil companies to ensure uninterrupted diesel supply to telecom towers and ongoing infrastructure and construction projects across the state.
The government said the measure is intended to prevent disruptions to essential services and development works.
PNG network expands to 21 districts
Officials reported continued growth in Bihar’s PNG network.
Out of the state’s 38 districts, 21 have now been connected to the gas distribution network, with Darbhanga becoming the latest district to be gasified.
As of Monday, a total of 1.19 lakh domestic PNG connections had been made operational across Bihar. During May alone, 10,623 new live connections were added.
The government also said PNG supply has commenced at the Rail Wheel Plant in Bela, Saran, operated by Indian Railways.
Push to clear pending PNG applications
The Chief Secretary instructed oil companies to expedite the processing of approximately 32,849 pending PNG applications.
Companies have been asked to increase manpower and engage additional contractors to accelerate connection work. District administrations were also directed to resolve land and administrative issues that have delayed PNG projects in districts such as Darbhanga and Siwan.
Distribution of 5-kg LPG cylinders approved
The government approved the distribution of 5-kg Free Trade LPG (FTL) cylinders for construction workers and contract labourers.
Officials have been directed to ensure adequate availability of these cylinders where required.
Action against LPG hoarding and misuse
The state government said enforcement agencies have intensified inspections to curb hoarding and illegal use of LPG cylinders.
According to official figures, 68,935 inspections have been conducted across agencies and other locations in Bihar. During these checks, 2,348 cylinders were seized, 40 cases were initiated under Section 6A of the Essential Commodities Act and 155 FIRs were registered.
Focus on grievance redressal
The Chief Secretary also directed officials to reduce delays in domestic LPG cylinder deliveries and ensure that complaints received through control rooms are addressed within a fixed timeframe.
The government said monitoring of fuel and gas distribution networks will continue to ensure uninterrupted supply and service delivery across the state.
