Thathri officials from the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs (FCS&CA) department, in coordination with the Tehsildar Thathri, conducted surprise inspections at restaurants and tea stalls in Thathri town of Doda district. Several establishments were found using domestic LPG cylinders for commercial purposes instead of the mandated commercial cylinders.
According to details received by The Chenab Times, the inspections revealed violations of regulations that prohibit the use of subsidised domestic LPG cylinders—intended for household consumption—in hotels, restaurants, tea stalls and other commercial setups. Authorities imposed a total fine of ₹12,500 on the defaulters. Of this amount, three establishments have deposited ₹7,500 into the Thathri Treasury. One defaulter has yet to pay the remaining ₹5,000.
The action aligns with longstanding directives from the Department of Food and Public Distribution and the Oil Marketing Companies, which require commercial establishments to procure commercial LPG connections, typically in 19 kg or 5 kg refillable formats, to prevent diversion of subsidised domestic supplies. Such misuse not only undermines the subsidy scheme aimed at low-income households but also poses safety risks, as domestic cylinders are not designed for the higher usage intensity of commercial kitchens.
Thathri, a sub-divisional headquarters in Doda district of the Jammu division, serves as a key commercial hub along the national highway in the Chenab Valley region of Jammu and Kashmir. The area is home to numerous small eateries and tea stalls catering to locals, travellers and those commuting between Jammu and higher reaches such as Kishtwar. Officials emphasised that the inspections form part of routine enforcement to ensure compliance with LPG usage norms across the region.
All commercial establishments have been strictly directed once again to switch exclusively to commercial LPG cylinders. Non-compliance will attract further stringent action, including higher penalties, seizure of cylinders and potential suspension of business operations, as per provisions under the Essential Commodities Act and related regulations.
The move comes amid broader efforts in Jammu and Kashmir to curb misuse of subsidised commodities. Similar surprise inspections in other districts have targeted overpricing, adulteration and improper use of public distribution system items. In Doda district, joint market checks have previously resulted in fines for violations including the use of domestic cylinders in commercial settings.
Local authorities have urged Chenabi business owners to obtain proper commercial connections from authorised LPG distributors to avoid penalties. The district administration has reiterated its commitment to regular monitoring to protect consumer interests and maintain fair trade practices in the region.
The outstanding fine of ₹5,000 remains pending, and officials indicated that recovery proceedings would be initiated if the defaulter fails to comply promptly. This incident highlights the continued challenge of enforcing LPG usage guidelines in semi-urban and rural commercial areas of Jammu and Kashmir.
The Chenab Times News Desk