In Kalaburagi,Deputy Commissioner Ikram Shariff put LPG distributors on notice about illegal sales of domestic cooking gas cylinders. At Friday's District-Level Monitoring Committee meeting,he warned of strict action against any caught in black-market dealings. Despite rising worries from West Asia tensions,Shariff reassured public there's no LPG shortage in district.
Shariff ordered that all domestic LPG cylinders be distributed on first-booked,first-delivered basis . Officials were told to enforce Essential Commodities Act against unauthorized stocking or illegal refilling. He was firm — no diverting domestic cylinders for hotels or other commercial use. Food Department must inspect for compliance.
Concerns raised over long wait times for refills from Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) . Urban consumers wait 25 days,rural 45. But HPCL set 45 days for urban users,causing hassle. Shariff not happy,noted others like Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) and BPCL keep 25 days.
He urged HPCL to revert to shorter urban wait time immediately . Also told LPG agencies prioritize supply to hospitals,schools,hostels,especially with global uncertainties.
Despite enough LPG supply,public worry rising over geopolitical instability. Shariff called on gas agencies to work with district administration to calm fears about availability. Helplines need to be active to handle customer issues fast.
Munawar Daula,Food Department's deputy director,said district has 47 LPG distributors serving 3,29,674 single-cylinder and 2,32,294 double-cylinder consumers. Plus 10,372 commercial LPG users,2,68,399 under Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana. Shariff asked public not to panic,saying LPG firms supplying more than daily demand. Reminded urban consumers — book refills after 25 days,rural after 45.
Distributors worried about low transport fees under Akshara Dasoha scheme,stuck at ₹1.60/km since 2002-03. Asked for hike to ₹3/km due to diesel price jumps. Shariff promised to discuss with zilla panchayat CEO,taluk panchayat officers for solution.
Meeting saw officials from Food Department,Legal Metrology Department,petroleum companies like IOCL, HPCL,BPCL,Nayara Energy,plus LPG dealers and petrol pump associations.
