Raipur, March 14: In response to rising concerns over gas supply due to the Iran and US-Israel conflict, the Chhattisgarh administration has launched a significant campaign against the hoarding and black marketing of LPG cylinders. During operations conducted across the state on Saturday, a total of 741 LPG cylinders were seized from 102 different locations.
According to officials, teams from the state’s food department and district administration carried out surprise inspections and raids at suspected sites. The aim of this operation is to ensure the smooth supply of domestic gas and to prevent illegal activities that exploit the crisis situation.
Officials stated that some traders were hoarding cylinders due to fears of potential shortages and price increases in light of international circumstances. Raids were conducted in several districts based on this information.
An official statement released on Friday indicated that the campaign was initiated following continuous complaints received from various districts. During the investigation, multiple warehouses, shops, and other suspicious locations were raided, where large quantities of LPG cylinders were illegally stored.
So far, 741 cylinders have been seized from 102 locations across the state, with the highest number of seizures occurring in Raipur, where 392 domestic LPG cylinders were confiscated. Bilaspur followed with 130 cylinders recovered during enforcement actions.
Authorities reported that several warehouses, shops, and other storage facilities were also searched for suspected hoarding of cylinders. The administration has issued a stern warning that strict legal action will be taken against anyone found involved in the hoarding, diversion, or black marketing of LPG cylinders.
The administration has also appealed to the public to report any suspicious sales or illegal storage of LPG to the relevant authorities for immediate action. Officials emphasized that hoarding essential goods during uncertain times creates an artificial shortage, causing inconvenience to the general public.
Meanwhile, a case of LPG black marketing also emerged in Mumbai on Saturday. In the Worli area, officials raided a residential location and seized a large number of gas cylinders. The investigation revealed that these cylinders were allegedly hoarded illegally and filled with gas before being sold at inflated prices in the black market.
The police have registered a case in this matter and have also seized a transport vehicle along with the cylinders. Further investigations are ongoing.