The Madhya Pradesh government has initiated a comprehensive crackdown on black marketing and hoarding of LPG cylinders across the state under the Essential Commodities Act. Recent enforcement actions included inspections at 2,840 locations, leading to the seizure of 3,961 LPG cylinders and the filing of First Information Reports in 11 cases. Additionally, inspections at 734 petrol pumps resulted in the registration of one First Information Report.
Additional Chief Secretary Rashmi Arun Shami has spearheaded a special campaign to provide Piped Natural Gas (PNG) connections to 1.5 lakh households and commercial establishments with existing pipeline infrastructure but no connections. The government aims to complete these connections within the next three months.
To encourage a switch to PNG among domestic and commercial consumers near existing pipelines, the government has warned that failure to do so within the specified period could result in the discontinuation of their LPG supply. Priority is being accorded to institutions, correctional homes, police colonies, defence establishments, and industrial units in pipeline-laid areas.
City Gas Distribution entities have been directed to conduct camps in collaboration with district administration, municipal bodies, and oil companies. Continuous monitoring of applications and connections is in progress.
Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Protection Minister Govind Singh Rajput emphasized ongoing efforts to combat illegal activities. He instructed District Supply Controllers and oil company officials to maintain strict vigilance at petrol pumps and LPG distribution points.
Minister Rajput assured the public of an ample supply of essential fuels and cooking gas in Madhya Pradesh and nationwide. The state has sufficient stocks of LPG (domestic and commercial), petrol, diesel, PNG, and CNG. Domestic LPG cylinders are being supplied against valid bookings, while commercial cylinders are distributed based on government allocation priorities and the revised 70% limit set by the Government of India.
Special focus is being given to small businesses, street vendors, institutions, and priority sectors. The government has facilitated the availability of 5 kg LPG cylinders through oil companies for migrant laborers, students, and similar groups.
The state government is expediting Right of Use permissions for new pipeline laying, granting approvals within 24 hours of application with no pending requests. Minister Rajput urged citizens to explore alternative cooking methods like induction cooktops, solar cookers, biogas, Gobar-Dhan initiatives, and eco-friendly Go-kasht (wood logs) produced by Self-Help Groups to reduce reliance on cylinders.
