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News India Live, Digital Desk: Jharkhand government and public sector oil companies (OMCs) have taken a major policy decision regarding the distribution of commercial LPG in the state. Now a fixed monthly quota of commercial gas cylinders has been set for each district of the state. This new system will have a direct impact on hotels, restaurants and industrial units. The government argues that this step will not only stop black marketing of gas, but will also curb illegal commercial use of domestic cylinders.
Why was the decision taken to fix the quota?
In the last few months, complaints were being received from many districts of Jharkhand about artificial shortage of commercial gas and selling it at high prices. Investigation revealed that the supply of commercial gas was being diverted to other states or the prices were being increased by accumulating stocks. Under the new system:
Assessment of demand of districts: The monthly quota has been fixed based on the number of active hotels, restaurants and factories in each district.
Supply Chain Monitoring: Now companies will not be able to give more cylinders than the quota to any distributor, due to which the supply will remain transparent.
Concerns of hotel and restaurant operators may increase
Fixing of quota may have the biggest impact on people involved in the food business. If demand increases in a month due to festivals or weddings, there may be a shortage of cylinders due to the fixed quota. The Hotel Association has expressed concern over this and said that due to limited quota, the prices of commercial gas may increase in the market, the burden of which will ultimately fall on the pockets of the customers.
Strict vigil on illegal use of domestic cylinders
The administration believes that when the supply of commercial gas will be controlled, people will try to use domestic gas (Domestic LPG) for commercial purposes. To stop this, the Food and Supplies Department has formed special teams. Now surprise raids will be conducted on dhabas and small hotels. If a domestic cylinder is found in a commercial establishment, not only will a heavy fine be imposed, but the license of the concerned gas agency can also be cancelled.
Monitoring will be done through digital tracking
To make the new system effective, digital tracking of ‘refill booking’ will be done. Distributors will have to upload their sales and stock reports on the online portal every week. The quota has been kept relatively high for big cities like Ranchi, Jamshedpur and Dhanbad, while limited supply has been ensured in rural districts as per the consumption. This order has come into effect in the entire state from April 1, 2026.