Chhattisgarh cracks down on LPG misuse; 214 raids, over 1,000 cylinders seized

RAIPUR: Chhattisgarh govt has intensified action against the misuse of domestic LPG cylinders, with the food department and district administrations conducting 214 raids across the state and seizing 1,013 cylinders so far.Officials said the crackdown is aimed at ensuring regular availability of domestic cooking gas to genuine consumers and preventing diversion for unauthorised use. Raipur district accounted for the highest number of seizures at 392 cylinders, followed by Bilaspur with 201.The action was reviewed at a meeting chaired by food secretary Reena Babasaheb Kangale on Tuesday with the food director and regional managers of the three public sector oil companies.

Kangale directed officials to widely publicise multiple LPG booking channels including WhatsApp numbers, mobile numbers, IVRS and website links to make online booking easier for consumers.She also stressed wider dissemination of Indian Oil Corporation’s new booking contacts mobile number 8927225667 and IVRS number 8391990070 so that consumers can access refill services without difficulty.During the meeting, the food secretary instructed that pending LPG bookings be cleared quickly and said cylinder supply had been increased across districts to avoid inconvenience to consumers.

Officials said the state has also put in place a balanced and priority-based system for commercial LPG distribution in line with Union petroleum ministry guidelines, so that essential public services are not disrupted. Under this arrangement, hospitals, educational institutions, military and paramilitary camps, jails, hostels, social welfare institutions, railway stations and airport canteens will get gas supply as per their monthly requirements.For govt offices, canteens and guest houses run by the Centre, state and their public sector undertakings, commercial LPG supply will be capped at 50% of their previous consumption. Animal feed manufacturing plants, seed production units, hotels and restaurants will be supplied within a fixed limit of 20%.The state govt said the ongoing seizures were meant to ensure that domestic LPG is used only for the purpose for which it is subsidised, and that ordinary consumers receive uninterrupted benefit.For complaints related to LPG booking and supply, the food department’s call centre numbers 1800-233-3663 and 1967 remain active, with grievances being resolved in coordination with oil companies on a priority basis.