Irregularities Alleged in LPG Distribution by Jay Shree Balaji Gramin HP Gas Agency in Kolnara Block
Rayagada, Odisha: Serious allegations have surfaced against the Jay Shree Balaji Gramin HP Gas Agency, which operates its office in Rayagada Block and maintains a storage godown in Kolnara Block. The agency caters to nearly 20 to 22 panchayats across Kolnara and Singpur blocks, supplying domestic LPG cylinders to thousands of rural households under the government’s Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) and regular LPG distribution schemes.
However, local residents have accused certain unscrupulous individuals associated with the agency of black marketing and illegal diversion of domestic LPG cylinders. Allegations suggest that gas meant for household use is being illegally sold to hotels, restaurants, and commercial establishments in Kolnara and JK Pur areas at inflated prices, violating the provisions of the Essential Commodities Act, 1955 and the Liquefied Petroleum Gas (Regulation of Supply and Distribution) Order, 2000.
Earlier today, tension prevailed in Kolnara when a gas delivery vehicle arrived for public distribution. Long queues of consumers were seen waiting with empty cylinders, but many returned disappointed as the stock reportedly ran out before they could get their refills. Several videos of the incident have gone viral on social media, showing villagers standing under the sun with LPG cylinders in hand, expressing anger and frustration over alleged irregularities
According to the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG) and the Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs), every LPG distributor is required to nsure transparent and timely home delivery of LPG cylinders to all registered consumers.Maintain accurate stock and delivery registers, which should be open to inspection by oil company officials and civil supplies authorities.Display the daily stock and price lists prominently at the agency office and godown.Prohibit diversion of domestic LPG cylinders for any commercial or non-domestic use.Provide a grievance redressal mechanism, including consumer helpline numbers and a complaint register.Comply with safety and storage norms prescribed under the Explosives Act and LPG Control Orders.
Residents claim that these mandatory norms are being openly flouted by the agency. Many consumers allege they are compelled to collect cylinders directly from the godown instead of receiving home delivery. Reports of overcharging, preferential distribution, and lack of transparency have also emerged.
Local intellectuals, social activists, and consumer welfare groups have demanded that the Rayagada District Administration, Civil Supplies Department, and HPCL authorities launch an immediate inquiry into the alleged irregularities. They have called for surprise inspections, verification of consumer records, and strict action against those involved in exploiting rural consumers.
Moreover, it has been emphasized that the HPCL Rayagada District Area Manager bears a direct supervisory responsibility to ensure that all LPG agencies under his jurisdiction comply with government norms. The Area Manager is required to conduct periodic inspections, monitor distribution patterns, address public grievances, and initiate corrective measures against agencies violating HPCL’s operational and ethical standards.
Failure to enforce these standards not only erodes consumer trust but also undermines the objectives of government welfare schemes like PMUY, which aim to ensure clean and affordable cooking fuel for every household.
Reported by Gouri Shankar Pattnaik
