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642 FIRs, 155 Arrests in Nationwide Crackdown on LPG Hoarding

The government has intensified enforcement against the hoarding and black marketing of LPG, registering 642 FIRs and arresting 155 people. Over 3,400 raids were conducted, leading to the seizure of approximately 1,000 cylinders in the past 24 hours, with major actions in states like Andhra Pradesh and Rajasthan. Authorities have reassured the public, advising against panic buying fueled by rumors and confirming adequate fuel stocks nationwide. Priority supplies are being maintained for domestic and transport sectors, while over 7,500 new PNG connections were activated in a single day.

Key Points: 155 Arrested, 642 FIRs in LPG Hoarding Crackdown

  • 642 FIRs registered
  • 155 people arrested
  • 3,400 raids conducted
  • 1,000 LPG cylinders seized
2 min read

642 FIRs registered, 155 people arrested for LPG hoarding and black marketing: Govt

Government reports major enforcement against LPG black marketing: 3400 raids, 1000 cylinders seized. Public advised against panic buying.

"Panic buying was reported in some areas due to some rumours... adequate stocks of petrol and diesel are available. - Petroleum Ministry"

New Delhi, March 24

Enforcement actions continue across states to curb hoarding and black marketing of LPG, and so far, about 642 FIRs have been registered and around 155 people arrested, the government said on Tuesday.

As part of the enforcement actions, about 3,400 raids were conducted, and around 1,000 cylinders were seized in the past 24 hours.

Major actions were reported in Andhra Pradesh, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Telangana. PSU Oil Marketing Companies conducted more than 1,500 surprise inspections at retail outlets and LPG distributorships on Monday, according to the inter-ministerial briefing on recent developments in West Asia.

The Petroleum Ministry said that all retail outlets are operating normally across the country.

"Panic buying was reported in some areas due to some rumours, resulting in unusually high sales and crowding at retail outlets. The government has advised the public not to believe rumours and reiterated that adequate stocks of petrol and diesel are available across the country," according to the ministry.

Moreover, priority sectors continue to receive protected supplies, including 100 per cent supply to domestic PNG and CNG transport, while supplies to industrial and commercial consumers connected to the grid are being maintained at around 80 per cent of their average consumption.

City Gas Distribution (CGD) entities have been advised to prioritise PNG connections for commercial establishments such as hotels, restaurants and canteens.

"Over 7,500 domestic and commercial PNG connections were issued or activated yesterday (Monday) in the top 110 geographical areas," said the ministry.

Meanwhile, 24 States/UTs have issued orders to allocate the Non-domestic LPG in line with the guidelines issued by the government.

For the rest of the States/UTs, PSU Oil Marketing companies are releasing Commercial LPG cylinders.

A total of around 18,784 MT LPG has been uplifted since March 14 by commercial entities in the States/UTs, informed the ministry.

An additional allocation of 48,000 KL of kerosene has been provided to States and UTs, which have been requested to identify district-level distribution points.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While the raids are necessary, the government needs to work harder on public messaging. My mother in Hyderabad heard rumours and stood in line for 2 hours, only to find there was no shortage. More clarity can prevent panic buying.
R
Rohit P
642 FIRs and only 155 arrests? The numbers seem a bit off. Feels like many big fish are getting away. The enforcement should go after the supply chain masters, not just the small-time hoarders. The action in Telangana and AP is a start though.
A
Ananya R
Protecting domestic PNG and CNG supply is the right move. So many households, especially in cities, depend on it for cooking. Glad hotels and restaurants are also being prioritised. A restaurant without gas means people lose their jobs.
D
David E
Interesting to see the scale of operations. 3,400 raids is a significant number. The additional kerosene allocation is a smart backup plan for rural areas where LPG penetration is still growing. Hope the distribution is smooth.
K
Karthik V
The real test is sustainability. These crackdowns often fade after headlines. Need a permanent monitoring system for LPG distributors. Ujjwala beneficiaries suffer the most when cylinders are sold in black. 🧐

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