NewKerala.com

Maharashtra Seizes 1,208 Illegal LPG Cylinders in Crackdown on Black Marketing

The Maharashtra government has intensified a crackdown on the black marketing and hoarding of LPG cylinders, conducting over 2,100 raids. These operations have led to the seizure of 1,208 illegally marketed cylinders and the recovery of more than ₹33 lakh. Authorities have booked 23 individuals and arrested 18 under the Essential Commodities Act. A dedicated WhatsApp helpline has been established for citizens to report delivery issues or black marketing activities.

Key Points: Maharashtra LPG Black Marketing Crackdown: 1,208 Cylinders Seized

  • 2,129 raids conducted statewide
  • 1,208 LPG cylinders seized
  • ₹33 lakh recovered from violators
  • 18 arrests made in hoarding cases
2 min read

Maharashtra govt cracks down on LPG black marketing, 1,208 cylinders seized

Maharashtra cracks down on LPG black marketing with 2,129 raids, seizing 1,208 cylinders and recovering ₹33 lakh. A dedicated helpline is launched.

"We are trying to overcome that criticality in the situation due to a West Asian issue. - Suresh Gopi"

Mumbai, March 18

The Maharashtra government is intensifying efforts to ensure uninterrupted delivery of LPG cylinders to domestic consumers and curb black marketing, officials said on Wednesday.

According to the Maharashtra DGIPR, a total of 2,129 raids have been conducted across Maharashtra so far, resulting in the seizure of 1,208 LPG cylinders that were being illegally marketed.

These operations have led to the recovery of over Rs. 33 lakh from violators.

As part of these enforcement measures under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, 23 individuals have been booked for illegal hoarding of LPG cylinders, with 18 persons arrested in connection with the cases.

The state government has also set up a dedicated WhatsApp helpline - 9769919229 - for citizens to report complaints related to domestic LPG delivery issues or instances of black marketing and hoarding.

The shortage of LPG has emerged amid global energy supply disruptions triggered by the ongoing conflict in West Asia.

Union Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas Suresh Gopi said on Monday that the government is making all efforts to ensure that global energy supply constraints do not affect the common man.

The minister said there is no critical issue with LPG. "We are also finding alternative means. Why is the opposition not thinking about enthusing whichever party has the upper hand in such states? They should talk to the contingent who is looking after the food care of the people. They can propose alternative methods...We are trying to overcome that criticality in the situation due to a West Asian issue. You know how the Hormuz is favouring us. Let us wait to see fruitful results," Suresh Gopi told reporters.

The government has said that LPG supply continues to be monitored in view of the prevailing geopolitical situation, and domestic LPG production has increased by 36 per cent.

Online LPG cylinder bookings have increased from about 84% to around 90%, officials said. They said state Governments undertaking enforcement measures to prevent hoarding and black marketing.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Seizing 1200 cylinders is just a drop in the ocean. The real kingpins are never caught. They target small vendors while the big operators have political connections. The enforcement needs to be consistent, not just before elections.
S
Suresh O
Good move by the government. In our village, the local distributor was holding back cylinders to sell at a premium. Common people suffer. The 36% increase in domestic production is reassuring. Jai Hind.
A
Anjali F
While the crackdown is necessary, the minister's statement is confusing. "Why is the opposition not thinking..." – Sir, please focus on solving the problem, not on political blame games. We just want reliable LPG supply for our kitchens.
D
David E
Interesting to see the global connection. The West Asia conflict affects everything, even our cooking gas. The shift to 90% online booking is a positive digital push. Hope the alternative means the minister mentioned materialize soon.
K
Kavya N
Recovery of 33 lakh rupees! That's public money they were stealing. These fines should be used to subsidize cylinders for BPL families. The raids should continue in every district.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50