Major Crackdown on Irregularities

In a significant move against black marketing and financial irregularities, the Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) has indefinitely suspended the licence of Brahmeswar Gas Agency in Keonjhar. The action follows a major discrepancy involving more than 7,000 missing LPG cylinders, raising serious concerns about supply chain malpractice in the region.

Thousands of Consumers Affected

Brahmeswar Gas Agency, one of the largest LPG distributors in Keonjhar town, caters to over 24,000 consumers. The suspension has triggered widespread concern among residents who now face uncertainty regarding regular LPG supply.

Complaints Trigger Investigation

The issue came to light after repeated complaints from local residents alleging denial of LPG refills despite valid bookings and OTP confirmations. Consumers claimed that the agency was exploiting the situation to divert domestic LPG cylinders to the black market.

A formal investigation conducted by HPCL officials uncovered a major lapse, with the agency unable to account for 7,000 LPG cylinders.

Allegations of Prioritising Commercial Clients

According to consumer allegations, the agency allegedly prioritised hotels and commercial establishments to gain higher profits, while domestic households were left waiting. “Local hotels and commercial establishments were being prioritised for higher profit margins, leaving domestic households in the lurch,” said Ranjit Kumar Patra, a local consumer.

Public Outrage and Road Blockade

The situation escalated on 13th March when hundreds of frustrated customers blocked the Keonjhar–Sanaghagara road using empty LPG cylinders. The protest brought traffic to a standstill for several hours.

The intervention of the Town Police and HPCL officials eventually led to an audit, confirming systemic irregularities in the agency’s operations.

Alternative Arrangements for Consumers

To ensure uninterrupted supply to affected households, authorities have taken interim measures:

• Licence Suspension: Brahmeswar Gas Agency has been issued a show-cause notice and its operations have been halted.
• Temporary Distributor: A gas agency from Barbil has been assigned temporary responsibility for LPG distribution in Keonjhar.
• Strict Monitoring: Authorities and local activists have demanded strict monitoring to prevent hoarding and ensure fair distribution.

HPCL Assures Swift Resolution

HPCL management has assured consumers that the transition to the new distributor will be closely monitored. Efforts are underway to clear the backlog of pending LPG bookings and restore normal supply at the earliest.

The incident has sparked a broader debate on regulatory oversight and the need for stricter enforcement mechanisms to prevent such irregularities in essential services.

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