Digboi: The LPG distribution controversy in Margherita has intensified after an official compliance report recorded a discrepancy involving 282 domestic LPG cylinders in the distribution figures for September 25, raising questions over record-keeping, stock reconciliation and supervisory mechanisms.
According to the compliance report submitted by the Inspector, Food, Public Distribution and Consumer Affairs, Margherita, 397 domestic LPG cylinders were issued or delivered on September 25. However, the IOCL Area Officer reportedly stated that only 115 cylinders were reflected as issued or delivered in the IOCL system.
The report has sought an explanation from the IOCL Area Officer and recommended that the matter be brought to the attention of M/s Margherita Gas Supply.
282-Cylinder Discrepancy
The report states that two loaded consignments, each containing 324 cylinders, were made available for distribution, taking the total stock to 648 cylinders.
Of these, 218 cylinders were distributed at the CDC Office Campus, while 30 cylinders were taken by the agency for home delivery. Another 149 cylinders were reportedly distributed from the agency premises.
The physical distribution records therefore account for 397 cylinders, leaving 251 cylinders from the two consignments. However, the report also states that 321 cylinders remained in balance, while the IOCL electronic system showed only 115 cylinders as issued or delivered.
The reported difference of 282 cylinders between the physical distribution figure and the electronic system records has prompted calls for a cylinder-wise reconciliation of physical stocks, delivery records, DAC details and entries in the IOCL system.
Eight Domestic Cylinders Seized
The development comes amid reports of an LPG shortage in Margherita.
On Saturday afternoon, the Margherita Co-District administration reportedly conducted raids at business establishments located near M/s Margherita Gas Supply and seized six domestic red LPG cylinders.
A separate raid conducted on Friday evening had resulted in the seizure of two additional domestic LPG cylinders, taking the reported total to eight.
The source of the cylinders and whether they were diverted from the authorised consumer distribution network remain matters for verification.
Consumers Raise Concerns
The developments have triggered concern among consumers of M/s Margherita Gas Supply, an agency that has reportedly served the area for several decades.
One consumer, who said he was still waiting for his refill, questioned whether the reported discrepancy could be part of a larger issue if similar differences had occurred on other days.
The consumer alleged that the agency had asked him over the phone to provide his DAC number without delivering the cylinder. He called for an independent investigation by the CID or an appropriate anti-corruption agency covering the wider Tinsukia district.
The allegation has not been independently established.
Questions Over Records and Late-Night Operations
The role of the AOD/IOCL Marketing Department, the concerned Area Officer and the Supply Department’s supervisory mechanism is also likely to come under scrutiny.
Authorities will need to determine whether the reported mismatch resulted from delayed system updates, DAC cancellations, data-entry errors, reconciliation issues or any other irregularity.
Questions have also been raised over the reported loading and unloading of LPG cylinders at the agency’s godown between around 10 pm and 11:50 pm. This was allegedly despite directions issued by the Margherita Co-District administration.
Whether the agency had specific permission to conduct the late-night operations and whether the movement of cylinders was properly recorded will require verification.
Probe Needed to Establish Facts
The reported 282-cylinder discrepancy, along with the seizure of eight domestic LPG cylinders from commercial establishments, has raised concerns over the distribution system in Margherita.
However, the discrepancy alone does not establish corruption, hoarding or black marketing. A detailed examination of the records would be required to determine the reason for the mismatch.
A comprehensive probe could examine the physical movement of cylinders, godown registers, truck consignments, DAC generation and cancellation records, consumer deliveries and corresponding IOCL system entries.
Such an investigation would help establish whether the reported discrepancy was an isolated reconciliation or documentation issue or whether it points to a wider problem in the LPG distribution network.