Puducherry, March 14 The Puducherry government has set up a control room in the Collectorate to receive complaints about the illegal sale or diversion of domestic LPG cylinders to hotels and restaurants.
Director of Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs of the Puducherry government, Muthu Meena, said in a statement on Saturday that people can file complaints to the control room through the toll-free number 1077. The government will take strict action under the Essential Commodities Act of 1955 and other relevant laws to prevent such illegal practices.
The director said that the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas had instructed that domestic LPG cylinders should be supplied strictly for household use only and should not be diverted for commercial purposes.
Oil Marketing Companies have also assured the government that adequate stocks of petrol, diesel, and LPG cylinders are available and that there will be no interruption in supply. Regular reviews are held at both the government and district levels.
Muthu Meena further said that the office of the Superintendent of Police (Food Cell) has been directed to strengthen enforcement activities and take action against any alleged illegal diversion of domestic LPG cylinders for commercial use.
Inspections and patrols are being carried out in hotels, restaurants, roadside eateries, and tea stalls to prevent misuse.
Appealing to the public to rely on official announcements regarding the availability of fuel, the director said that adequate stocks of petrol, diesel, and LPG cylinders are available.
The officials also said that the government is committed to ensuring uninterrupted supply of essential commodities and safeguarding the interests of the public.