AGARTALA, Aug 10 (TIWN): Even after normal supply of LPG bullets, the backlog of refilled cylinders has been increasing with every passing day across the state.

On an average, 15/20 LPG bullets are coming to Bishalgarh gas bottling plant daily while around 90 bullets are on the transit. Unfortunately, Bishalgarh plant has been producing only 20/22 trucks of refilled LPG cylinders daily increasing the backlog of cylinders.

The production has been reduced at Bishalgarh plant as the authority has stopped double shift work at plant without any consultation with the state authority.

Now, there has been a persistent demand to introduce double shift duty at the plant to reduce the backlog keeping in mind of the upcoming Durga puja. 

The number of LPG consumers has been increased over the past few months. Besides, a substantial number of cylinders have got damaged due to use by the consumers.

However, the Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) assured that it would bring 3 lakh new LPG cylinders to phase out old and damaged LPG cylinders.

Sources said the government is planning to take up the issue with IOC authority since Durga puja is knocking at the door.

There is no LPG crisis in the state with backlog of refilled cylinders is still within the reach. But the situation may turn ugly before the puja. The department plan to approach the IOC to introduce double shift working schedule at Bishalgarh plant to reduce the backlog.

The state has 3.40 lakh registered LPG consumers while the monthly average requirement is 2.04 lakh cylinders. In spite of this, the state has been facing trouble to meet the LPG demand.