Patna, March 14 Bihar Transport Minister Shrawon Kumar and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Kumar Jha on Saturday alleged that rumors about an LPG shortage in the state are part of a "political conspiracy".
Their remarks came amid reports of people queuing up in large numbers outside distribution outlets across several districts to obtain LPG cylinders.
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 said that action will be taken against such elements and those indulging in black marketing will not be spared," he said.
Admitting that there was some problem initially, Kumar claimed the Bihar government had successfully tackled it.
Jha, a JD(U) Rajya Sabha MP, accused the opposition of spreading rumors in the state.
"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.
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.
Patna Mahavir Mandir CEO Varun Mishra said they are not facing any shortage of LPG cylinders.
The temple is known for the large-scale production of Naivedyam laddus used as prasad.
"We are facing no shortage of LPG cylinders at the moment. Our production of Naivedyam laddus is continuing. In case there is any interruption, we have arranged for alternatives like induction cookers and biogas," Mishra said.