Show cause notices to two LPG cylinder agencies in Yadgir for violating rules

Show cause notices were issued to two LPG retailers in Shahapur and Shorapur taluks of Yadgir district in Karnataka for violating rules of the Essential Commodities Act, and framed guidelines, with regard to distributing cylinders to customers.

Deputy Commissioner Harshal Bhoyar issued show cause notices to Vijay Gas Agency in Shahapur and Sun Flame Agency in Shorapur for not distributing LPG cylinders directly to customers’ residence despite directions issued through newspapers and at a video conference on March 24.

According to the show cause notices, a huge crowd had gathered and a long queue had formed outside the agencies to get cylinders refilled.  

The agencies sold cylinders at a higher price than that fixed by the government to customers who had not even booked a cylinder, and caused inconvenience to genuine customers. 

There were no signboards placed outside the godowns and retail agency shops showing the available stock, violating the Deputy Commissioner’s orders in this regard, the DC further stated.

Considering all these points, it is apparent that there was a violation of the Essential Commodities Act 1955, and the Gas Rules, the Liquefied Petroleum Gas (Control of Supply and Distribution) Order 2000, and the Gas Cylinder Rules 2004 and 2026, the notices stated.

Mr. Bhoyar has sought written explanations from the agencies on receipt of the show cause notices.

Deputy Director of Food and Civil Supplies Somshekhar Biradar conducted surprise raids on private traders and hoteliers to verify whether LPG domestic cylinders were being used for commercial purposes, and seized such cylinders used illegally.

When he visited the agencies, he found some irregularities and violations of the rules, a source said.