UDAYAPUR, Aug 9: Authorities have launched inspections of LPG dealers across Udayapur following complaints that gas cylinders were being hoarded and distributed unfairly amid a month-long shortage.
Consumers had complained that they were unable to obtain LPG even after waiting for weeks with coupons and standing in queues for hours. Following the complaints, a district monitoring team led by the assistant chief district officer began inspecting dealers in Gaighat, Bokse, Motigada, Deuri, Jalahjale, Rajabas and Chuhadekh areas.
The team began the inspections on Saturday morning and continued visiting dealers throughout the day, according to the district administration. Chief District Officer Mekh Bahadur Mangrati said the inspections were aimed at ensuring fair and systematic distribution of LPG to consumers.
Mangrati said the inspections were initiated following complaints about the shortage and instructions from higher authorities to regulate the distribution system.
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The monitoring team, comprising representatives from the administration, police, Department of Cottage and Small Industries, local governments and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, did not find any irregularities at the dealers inspected on the first day.
According to Mangrati, the team found no evidence of black-marketing, hoarding, manipulation of cylinder weights or overcharging.
“We began the inspections after receiving complaints about the LPG shortage and instructions from higher authorities to regulate the dealers,” Mangrati said. He added that inspections had been launched not only in the district headquarters but also at dealers in local markets across the district.
The district administration said inspections have also been intensified in various markets of Katari, Belaka and Chaudandigadhi municipalities. Dealers that could not be inspected on Saturday will be monitored on Sunday, it said.
The administration said the inspections were aimed at ensuring easier access to LPG for consumers.
Around a dozen brands of LPG are sold and distributed in Udayapur, including Narayani, Koshi, Kamakhya, Nobel, Prima, Super, Rijalko and Kankai.
