Digboi: The LPG controversy surrounding M/S Margherita Gas Agency in Assam’s Tinsukia district is deepening, with consumer protests, repeated enforcement raids and questions over the agency’s supply mechanism and regulatory oversight.
The latest incident took place on Thursday afternoon when an agency employee identified as Tarun, who was engaged in loading and unloading operations at the retail outlet, allegedly threw a large number of consumer handbooks onto the ground and left the premises while customers were waiting to be served.
The handbooks had reportedly been collected by agency personnel for distribution to consumers along with LPG cylinders. Witnesses said the employee allegedly refused to attend to the waiting consumers before leaving the premises.
The incident led to further resentment outside the agency. The employee’s version could not be obtained immediately.
A handwritten notice displayed at the premises and dated September 30, 2026, reads: “No Godown Delivery Order — C.D.C. (Margherita).” The notice appears to indicate that a godown delivery order was not being issued at the time. However, the authority under which the notice was displayed and the circumstances behind it could not be independently established.
The controversy has also affected the nearby residential area. A resident living close to the godown said repeated commotion outside the agency had disturbed the peace of the locality for a prolonged period.
“We would definitely write to the Deputy Commissioner, Tinsukia, over the commotion and war-like situation in front of the agency, greatly vitiating our peaceful atmosphere and disturbing our peace in our residential area over a period of time,” the neighbour said.
The resident further alleged that the godown had been erected on land belonging to Ram Mandir. The allegation could not be independently verified, and no conclusion is being drawn regarding the ownership or legality of the structure.
Meanwhile, the Margherita Co-District Commissioner administration has stepped up enforcement. Repeated raids at commercial establishments have reportedly resulted in the seizure of more than 20 domestic LPG cylinders in less than a week. The seizures have increased scrutiny over the alleged commercial use or diversion of domestic LPG cylinders.
The developments come after an official inspection reportedly detected a 282-cylinder discrepancy for September 25. Agency records reportedly showed 397 cylinders as delivered, while the IOCL system reflected 115.
The agency has also reportedly been unable to submit Electronic Reconciliation Verification (ERV) against five loads to the AOD Marketing Department. Following this, further consignments were reportedly restricted by the department.
The controversy has also raised questions about the lack of a detailed public clarification from the AOD Marketing Department. While the reported supply restriction over the ERV issue indicates departmental intervention, consumers are seeking clarity on the reported distribution discrepancy, pending bookings and repeated enforcement action.
There is no verified evidence at present to establish preferential treatment of the agency owner by AOD Marketing officials. However, the absence of a detailed public explanation has led to questions and speculation among consumers and residents.
The pending consumer list has reportedly reached 310, adding to concerns over timely LPG supplies.
The inspection findings and related report have reportedly been submitted to the Deputy Commissioner, Tinsukia, for further action.
With enforcement teams continuing raids, domestic cylinders being recovered from commercial establishments, consumers reporting grievances and a “No Godown Delivery Order” notice appearing at the agency premises, the Margherita LPG controversy has moved beyond individual complaints.
Consumers are seeking answers on consumer service, supply records, distribution controls and regulatory oversight.