Doomdooma: The seizure of two domestic LPG cylinders from a hotel in Tinsukia on Monday has once again highlighted concerns over the unauthorised use of household cooking gas by commercial establishments in Assam.
Acting on the directions of Tinsukia Deputy Commissioner Sumit Sattawan, officials from the Food, Public Distribution and Consumer Affairs Department inspected M/S Purbanchal Hotel on S.R. Lohia Road following a public complaint.
During the inspection, officials found the hotel using domestic LPG cylinders for commercial cooking. Two cylinders were seized from hotel owner Bittu Pal.
According to the district administration, Pal admitted during questioning that the cylinders were being used for commercial purposes. The seized cylinders were subsequently handed over to the manager of M/S Tinsukia Gas Supply for safekeeping.
The administration issued a show-cause notice to the establishment and initiated further legal proceedings, stating that the use of domestic LPG for commercial purposes violates the LPG (Regulation of Supply and Distribution) Order, 2000.
The Tinsukia action comes amid similar measures taken by district administrations elsewhere in Assam to prevent the diversion of domestic LPG supplies.
In March, the Dibrugarh district administration barred commercial establishments, including hotels, restaurants, dhabas, caterers and tea stalls, from using domestic LPG cylinders following reports of household cooking gas being diverted for commercial use.
Similarly, in June, the Majuli administration directed hotels, restaurants, dhabas, eateries and tea stalls to discontinue the use of domestic cylinders and obtain authorised commercial LPG connections.
The issue has gained further attention amid reports earlier this year of restaurants in Guwahati facing difficulties in procuring commercial LPG due to supply pressures, underlining concerns over ensuring adequate availability of cooking gas for domestic consumers.