Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, April 8: A meeting of LPG dealers from the Jammu division was convened today, bringing together representatives from all three major oil marketing companies-Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited, and Indian Oil Corporation Limited.
Dealers from all districts of the division, including Jammu, Kathua, Samba, Udhampur, Reasi, Doda, Kishtwar, Ramban, Rajouri, and Poonch, participated in the deliberations.
The meeting was also attended virtually by Jammu and Kashmir Minister for Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, Satish Sharma, who patiently heard the concerns raised by the dealers and assured the Association that their issues would be addressed at the earliest.
During the meeting, the dealers’ Association expressed serious concerns over the implementation of Dealer Authentication Code (DAC)-based sales and mandatory online application systems. They highlighted that such digital mechanisms are impractical in Jammu and Kashmir due to limited internet connectivity in remote and rural areas like Bani, Basohli, and interior parts of Rajouri, Poonch, Doda, and Bhaderwah. The situation is further compounded in areas under security surveillance, where seamless internet access remains restricted, leading to operational challenges for dealers and inconvenience for consumers.
The Association also urged the administration to prioritize instant booking facilities and provide relaxation in DAC-based bookings. While expressing willingness to adopt the system, dealers proposed that DAC-based transactions should not exceed 30 per cent of total daily sales to ensure smooth operations.
Another major issue raised was the alleged harassment by various Government agencies, including repeated demands for multiple data submissions on a daily basis, causing confusion and disruption of essential services.
Dealers further questioned the contradiction in official claims of adequate LPG availability while simultaneously restricting the supply of cylinders requested by them. They said such inconsistencies were adversely affecting both dealers and consumers.
Expressing deep distress over prevailing working conditions, the Association warned that continued pressure could force many dealers to shut down operations. They cautioned that if their concerns are not addressed promptly, they may be compelled to surrender their agencies by handing over office keys to the authorities.
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