THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Ranchi, March 12: Amid a surge in LPG cylinder bookings in Ranchi, the district administration has assured residents that there is adequate stock of domestic cooking gas and urged consumers not to panic.
Deputy Commissioner Manjunath Bhajantri on Thursday held a meeting with officials of oil marketing companies and LPG distributors to review the supply situation in the district.
The DC clarified that there is no shortage of LPG cylinders and warned that strict action would be taken against anyone found involved in black marketing or irregularities in distribution.
Monitoring Mechanism for Essential Services
The district administration has directed the formation of a district-level monitoring committee to ensure uninterrupted LPG supply to hospitals, anganwadi centres, jails and other essential institutions.
Officials said the committee will closely monitor distribution to prevent disruption in critical services.
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Booking Surge Puts Pressure on Software
Officials from Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), Bharat Petroleum (BPCL) and Hindustan Petroleum (HPCL) informed the meeting that the sudden surge in bookings has put pressure on their software systems, leading to temporary booking issues.
They said software upgradation is currently underway, and normal services are expected to resume soon.
Consumers have been urged not to crowd gas agency offices and instead use digital and remote booking methods such as IVR, missed calls, mobile applications and online portals.
Second Booking Allowed Only After 25 Days
According to Central government guidelines, consumers can now make a second LPG booking only after 25 days of the previous booking.
However, in case of emergency, consumers can purchase 2 kg and 5 kg small LPG cylinders.
Officials said 5 kg cylinders of BPCL and HPCL are available in adequate quantity in the market, and consumers can obtain them by showing their Aadhaar card.
