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Over 67,000 LPG Cylinders Seized in Crackdown on Black Marketing

The Indian government has seized over 67,000 LPG cylinders in nationwide raids against hoarding and black marketing since March. More than 1,160 FIRs have been registered and 271 persons arrested during this period. The crackdown has led to penalties on 316 LPG distributorships and suspension of 72 others. The government has also increased online bookings to 99% and authentication code deliveries to 94% to prevent diversion.

Key Points: 67,000 LPG Cylinders Seized in Black Marketing Drive

  • Over 67,000 LPG cylinders seized since March
  • 1,160 FIRs filed and 271 arrested
  • 316 LPG distributors penalized, 72 suspended
  • 99% of bookings now online with authentication code deliveries
2 min read

Over 67,000 LPG cylinders seized in drive against black marketing

India seizes over 67,000 LPG cylinders in raids against hoarding and black marketing. 1,160 FIRs filed, 271 arrested, and 316 distributors penalized.

"The government has sent a clear signal that strict action will be taken against unscrupulous elements trying to exploit the situation caused by supply chain disruptions triggered by the Middle East conflict. - Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas"

New Delhi, April 28

More than 67,000 cylinders have been seized in multiple raids across the country to curb hoarding and black marketing of cooking gas since March this year, according to an update issued by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas on Monday.

Further, over 1,160 FIRs have been registered, and 271 persons have been arrested during this period. More than 2,800 raids were also conducted nationwide on Monday.

The government has sent a clear signal that strict action will be taken against unscrupulous elements trying to exploit the situation caused by supply chain disruptions triggered by the Middle East conflict.

Public sector oil companies have strengthened and continued surprise inspections and imposed penalties on 316 LPG distributorships, and 72 LPG distributorships have been suspended so far. Show cause notices were issued to 46 LPG distributors on Monday, penalties were imposed on six distributorships, and one distributor was put under suspension.

Meanwhile, online domestic LPG cylinder bookings have increased to 99 per cent, while authentication code-based deliveries, on the registered mobile number of the consumer, have increased to around 94 per cent to prevent diversion at the distributor level.

The supply of cooking gas continues to be normal with no dry-outs being reported at retail distributorships.

Over 42,800 PNG consumers have surrendered their LPG connections via MyPNGD.in website till Monday, which will help ease some pressure on LPG demand.

Supply of cooking gas to domestic households has been prioritised even as overall LPG supply continues to be affected by the prevailing geopolitical situation.

The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas further stated that it is taking steps to ensure the uninterrupted availability of petroleum products and LPG across the country, in the context of the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

Citizens are advised to avoid panic purchase of petrol, diesel and LPG and to beware of rumours and rely on official sources for correct information. LPG consumers are requested to use digital booking platforms and avoid visiting distributors.

All refineries are operating at high capacity with adequate crude inventories, while sufficient stocks of petrol and diesel are being maintained. Local LPG production from refineries has been increased to support domestic consumption, the ministry said in a statement.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Finally! The government is waking up to the black market mafia. We were forced to pay double the price for a refill last month because our local dealer claimed there was shortage. These 271 arrests are just the tip of the iceberg. Need to go after the bigger players who stockpile cylinders. Still, kudos to the ministry for taking this seriously 🙌
V
Vikram M
I'm glad they're cracking down, but why does it take a geopolitical crisis to trigger action? Black marketing of LPG has been a problem for years. Also, suspending 72 distributorships is good, but what about the ones that are still operating with impunity? The authentication code system is a step in the right direction, but it needs better enforcement.
A
Ananya R
As a housewife, I'm relieved to hear that supply is normal and no dry-outs are reported. But the real worry is the price hike - even with subsidies, LPG is becoming unaffordable for many families. The fact that 42,800 PNG users surrendered their LPG connections shows people are shifting. Hope the government considers reducing prices or increasing subsidies for the poor 💸
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Rohit P
Great to see the government getting tough! Over 2,800 raids in one day is serious business. But I'm skeptical about the "no dry-outs" claim - my mother-in-law in UP said her local dealer still refuses to refill without a bribe. Maybe the raids are concentrated in big cities and small towns are ignored? Still, better than nothing I guess 😤
K
Kavya N
This is a welcome move, but

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