Patna, March 14 Bihar Transport Minister Shrawon Kumar and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Kumar Jha on Saturday alleged that rumors about a shortage of LPG in the state are part of a "political conspiracy".
Their remarks came amid reports of people queuing up in large numbers outside distribution outlets in several districts to obtain LPG cylinders.
The authorities have stated that there is no shortage of cooking gas in the state.
Speaking to reporters, Kumar said, "There is a well-thought-out political conspiracy behind the rumors of LPG cylinder shortage."
He added that black marketeers and rumour-mongers would not be spared. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi has himself given assurance that action will be taken against such elements and those indulging in black marketing will not be spared," the minister said.
Admitting that there was some problem initially, Kumar claimed the Bihar government successfully tackled it.
Jha, a JD(U) Rajya Sabha MP, accused the opposition of spreading rumors in this regard.
"The opposition is indulging in spreading rumors. Misinformation on social media is nudging people to buy excess cylinders, which has emerged as one of the reasons behind black marketing and hoarding," he said.
Patna DM Thiyagarajan SM said on Saturday that adequate quantities of LPG are available with all distributors and gas companies, and there is no shortage.
According to a statement issued by the district administration, Patna DM held a review meeting with the heads of hospitals and educational institutions, representatives of gas companies, and officials.
Patna Civil Surgeon and the District Programme Manager (Health) have been designated as the nodal officer and assistant nodal officer, respectively, to ensure smooth supply of LPG gas to hospitals and health institutions, it added.
Similarly, the Additional District Magistrate (Supply) for rural areas and the Special Officer Anubhajan for urban areas have been directed to ensure supply to educational institutions.
The DM said that representatives from premier health and educational institutions, present in the meeting, confirmed that patients are not facing any problems.
“Officials have been directed to ensure regular and adequate gas supply at Kasturba Gandhi Residential Schools, hostels, children’s homes, Anganwadi centres, residential schools run by the Welfare Department, hostels, prisons and other institutions,” the statement read.
Thiagarajan also reviewed the latest status of gas supply in offices and institutions under various departments.
Sheohar District Magistrate Pratibha Rani said there were sufficient supplies of LPG cylinders for household consumption.
"We held a meeting with suppliers who assured us that there is no dearth of domestic cylinders," she said.
Aurangabad District Magistrate Abhilasha Sharma also said there are sufficient stocks of LPG cylinders.
"There are sufficient stocks. People can book cylinders from the comfort of their homes and get those delivered within two days of booking," she said.
The Patna Mahavir Mandir, known for large-scale production of Naivedyam laddus used as prasad, said it is not facing any shortage of LPG cylinders at the moment.
The temple CEO Varun Mishra said, "Our production of Naivedyam laddus is continuing. In case there is any interruption (due to LPG crisis), we have arranged for alternatives like induction cookers and biogas," Mishra said.