Sale of LPG cylinders continues in city

Sameer Singh

Tribune News Service

Bathinda, December 9

The illegal filling/sale of LPG cylinders going on unabated in the city has come to the fore. Without any check by the authorities concerned, black marketeers transferring gas from large cylinders (bought from gas agencies) to small cylinders and selling them on the black market at exorbitant prices.

As authorities have not carried out checking, the illegal practice of using LPG gas for commercial purposes by shopkeepers has been continuing for the past few months.

During a reality check conducted by this correspondent, it was found that some shopkeepers were selling LPG gas cylinders. Shopkeepers transfer LPG from gas cylinders procured from gas agencies and fill the gas into small cylinders of 8 kg, 4 kg and 2 kg.

Besides, LPG cylinders were also found being filled/sold openly near Hazi Ratan Chowk, near Qila Mubarak Market and Guru Nanak Pura, near grain market area in the city.

A small gas cylinder of 8 kg that contains 1 kg of LPG is available for Rs 1,100. Similarly, a gas cylinder of 4 kg can be bought for Rs 750. For extra filling, Rs 80 is charged for 1 kg of LPG. Moreover, shopkeepers have even installed the gas stove/burner on top of the small gas cylinders for cooking purposes (Rs 100 extra).

According to shopkeepers, a number of customers are thronging their shops to buy LPG cylinder on daily basis. It is selling like hot cakes in the city.

When asked if it is legal to buy/sell cylinders without proper documentation, a shopkeeper said, “There is nothing to worry, everybody is free to buy and start using cylinders as per their convenience. There is barely any check by authorities on selling of LPG cylinders.”

Sources in the DFSC Department said apart from the legality angle of selling of LPG (cylinders), it is a direct threat to the safety of the city residents. These shopkeepers/workers can be seen transferring LPG from large cylinders to small cylinders in the shops itself and if anything goes wrong during that process it might result in a big tragedy. It is high time that the higher officials in the department wake up from their slumber and take necessary corrective action before things goes out of control.

When the matter was brought to the notice of the department of food and civil supply and consumer affairs authorities, they expressed complete ignorance over the selling/filling of LPG cylinders in city.

When contacted District Food and Supplies Controller (DFSC) Amanpreet Singh said, “We have not received any information in this regard. Besides, it was not in my knowledge. It is illegal to sell LPG gas in shops and if it taking place in the city, we will carry out checking and ensure that the ill-practice is stopped immediately.”