Una, March 19: Una Deputy Commissioner Jatin Lal stated that the distribution of commercial LPG cylinders in the district will be ensured in strict accordance with established priorities. He was presiding over a meeting of the district-level committee—constituted to ensure the smooth supply of commercial LPG cylinders—held on Thursday.
He emphasized that priority in supply would be accorded to the education and health sectors. Furthermore, the allocation of cylinders to hotels, *dhabas* (roadside eateries), social events, and other institutions will be ensured based on availability and the established priority list. In accordance with guidelines issued by the government, the supply of commercial gas cylinders will be regulated based on bookings and records of past consumption.
It is noteworthy that the Government of Himachal Pradesh has constituted district-level committees to oversee the distribution of commercial LPG cylinders. The Deputy Commissioner of each district has been designated as the Chairperson of the committee, while the Superintendent of Police, the Chief Medical Officer, and the Deputy Director of Higher and Elementary Education serve as its members; the District Controller of Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Affairs acts as the Member Secretary. Additionally, representatives from oil marketing companies have been included in the committee as deemed necessary.
The Deputy Commissioner informed that there is no shortage of domestic gas cylinders in the district, and approximately 8,000 domestic cylinders are being supplied daily through various gas agencies. Moreover, there are approximately 7,000 active PNG (Piped Natural Gas) connections in the district, through which a smooth supply of gas is being maintained.
He directed departmental officials to coordinate with oil marketing companies to raise awareness among domestic consumers regarding the benefits of opting for PNG connections. He noted that promoting alternative energy sources would alleviate the pressure on the demand for commercial LPG, thereby ensuring a more robust and efficient supply system for domestic consumers.
Furthermore, he urged the operators of hotels and *dhabas* to obtain PNG connections and promote their usage in order to reduce their reliance on LPG. *Strict Action Against Hoarding and Black Marketing*
The Deputy Commissioner directed the committee members to ensure effective vigilance in the market to curb the hoarding and black marketing of commercial gas cylinders. He stated that cylinders should also be made available for weddings and other social gatherings, prioritized based on availability. Strict action will be taken against those violating the regulations under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, and the LPG (Supply and Distribution) Regulation Order.
He further informed that joint inspection teams have been constituted at the district level to prevent the diversion, hoarding, underweight supply, and black marketing of LPG. These teams will comprise officials from the Department of Food and Civil Supplies, Oil Marketing Companies, and the Himachal Pradesh Police.
The District Controller of Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Affairs, Rajiv Sharma, stated that there is an adequate supply of domestic gas cylinders in the district, and no complaints regarding shortages have been received from any area.
He added that a smooth supply of commercial cylinders is being ensured across the district. Currently, there are 3,088 commercial gas connections in the district, while the monthly consumption stands at approximately 5,627 cylinders. Of these, 785 cylinders are supplied to educational and health institutions; 3,198 to hotels, *dhabas*, and restaurants; 860 for social gatherings; 203 to pharmaceutical industries; and 579 to government departments, Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), corporate and industrial guest houses, and canteens.
Officials from the concerned departments, along with representatives from PNG, were present at the meeting alongside the committee members.