Amid heightened scrutiny over LPG distribution practices, IndianOil has intensified enforcement measures across the Northeast, issuing three showcause notices in Meghalaya while suspending six distributors across the region, in a decisive move aimed at curbing diversion and ensuring transparency in last-mile delivery.
Amarjyoti Bordoloi, Chief General Manager, IndianOil AOD State Office, said, “The Showcause notices are mainly issued for the fact that they were not doing adequately the delivery confirmation from the consumers. That was not taken to the extent of we have mandated that it should be minimum about 90 to 95 percent. Meghalaya also has some inherent problems, but there is an opportunity for the distributors that if he doesn’t take a DAC, in my mind as a oil company that I will not be sure that the cylinder is going to the right consumer. So wherever the DAC percentage are low below certain standard we have asked them to show us the details that whom you have supplied the cylinders. And if they unable to show us the correct supply of the cylinders we will take it as diversion and then we will take panel action as per the marketing discipline guidelines that we have.”
Asked if there is black marketting, he said this is exact our worry if he is unable to show us which customer he is delivering the cylinder then there is a chance that he may have sold in black market.
He further emphasised tighter monitoring mechanisms, stating, “We are also strictly monitoring the distributors so that they do any kind of activities by which the consumer is affected. We are looking at their deliveries, we are looking at there DAC figures we are insisting that the digitalise process has to be maintained.”
Highlighting the scale of enforcement, Bordoloi said, “Across North East lot of actions have been taken . Around six distributors have been suspended but thankfully Meghalaya distributors are doing very well. Only three Showcause notices we have given so far. And we are enquiring the cases and as and when we also get complaints . There are various portals from where we get the complaints mainly public grivience portals, moment we get complaints we enquire and take adequate actions.”
Sashwati Mudoi, State Level Coordinator Meghalaya, Oil Marketing Companies, said, “To curb hoarding and illegal Diversion OMC officials in Association with officials from the state government of Meghalaya has conducted around 319 inspections since last month, action has also been initiated against omc LPG Distributors few of them for not adhering to standard of operating procedure including digital protocol of booking and delivery acknowledgement, confirmation, that is BAC. So far from our side We have issues Showcause notices to three omc LPG distributors.”
Reassuring the public on supply stability, she added, “All OMCs are taking strict action under essential commodities act of 1955. We want to clearly state that adequate stock of petrol, diesel and LPG is available in the state and supply chain is functioning normally. Citizens are requested, not to be attention to rumours, avoid panic buying and refrain from spreading misleading information.”
She further said, “The government of Meghalaya and the all marketing companies in the state assure all the citizens that the supply situation of petroleum products is fully stable and under control and uninterrupted supply to the public is being ensured.”
Detailing the current LPG distribution network, Mudoi stated, “Regarding LPG supply and services, it is being provided to approximately 3.7 lakhs Consumers through 66 distributors in entire state. Currently distributors have adequate stock of domestic LPG cylinders and no dry out have been reported. On average 4,103 refills are delivered daily and a backlog of about five days is being cleared as per the scheduled booking list.”
She added, “Supply remains completely stable promoting digitization in LPG services, 83% of our bookings are now being made through digital means compared to just 68% in the last two months. Delivery authentication code or DAC compliance has been ensured in 67% of cases up from 36% two months ago. Consumers are requested to use digital booking methods and share the DAC at the time of delivery to ensure same and safe and transparent operation and distribution.”
IndianOil Cracks Down on LPG Distribution Irregularities, 3 Showcause Notices in Meghalaya, 6 Distributors Suspended Across Northeast
