English
English
English
Mumbai’s Food Distribution Department seized more than 100 LPG cylinders during a crackdown on illegal hoarding and black marketing in the Worli area. The joint operation targeted a gang selling domestic and commercial cylinders at inflated prices.
Mumbai Authorities Bust LPG Black Market Racket
Mumbai: A major crackdown has been launched against the black marketing of domestic and commercial LPG cylinders in Maharashtra's capital, Mumbai. The Food and Civil Supplies Department conducted a raid in the Worli area and seized over 100 gas cylinders. Officials stated that the action was taken against those who were illegally hoarding LPG cylinders and selling them at inflated prices.
According to officials, this joint operation was conducted by a team from the Controller of Food Rations Office and officers from Office No. 21. The raid took place in the Suraj Vallabhdas Chawl area on Ganpatrao Kadam Road, Worli Naka. Gas cylinders were being illegally stored and sold at inflated prices.
During the raid, officials seized a large quantity of gas cylinders. These included 64 filled 4 kg and 19 filled 12 kg cylinders from the Super Gas Company. In addition, six filled and 58 empty 5-kg cylinders belonging to HP Gas Company were also recovered. Officials also seized a total of 25 empty cylinders of 12 kg, 4 kg, and 2 kg.
Officials say these cylinders were illegally stored and were being prepared to be sold in the market at higher prices.
Recently, LPG cylinder prices across the country have reportedly increased. This is attributed to rising tensions in West Asia and supply chain disruptions. Following the price hike, incidents of black marketing and hoarding of cylinders have also been reported in some areas.
Meanwhile, Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, stated that the supply of LPG, petrol, diesel, kerosene, and natural gas in the country is completely stable. She urged citizens not to panic and book extra fuel and to use fuel wisely.
The government has taken several steps to prevent hoarding and black marketing of LPG. The central government has directed oil refineries across the country to increase LPG production. A 25-day gap between LPG bookings has been implemented since March 10th to prevent unnecessary booking and hoarding of cylinders.
The government states that additional production will be prioritized to meet the needs of domestic consumers, which will help maintain stable supply in the coming months.
