Three Individuals Booked in Sangli for Illegal LPG Refilling During Night Raid
In a significant crackdown on the black marketing of domestic LPG cylinders, three people were booked for illegally refilling cylinders during a late-night raid in Sangli on Friday. This operation is part of an ongoing drive to curb illegal activities in Sangli and Kolhapur districts, where authorities are intensifying efforts to prevent misuse of essential commodities.
Legal Action Under Essential Commodities Act
Sangli collector Ashok Kakade confirmed that cases have been registered against three individuals—one from Sangli and two from Miraj. The charges are filed under sections 3 and 7 of the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, for violating Section 4(1)(a)(b) of the LPG (Supply and Distribution) Control Order, 2000. Kakade emphasized that strict action will be taken against any agency found involved in irregularities, reassuring citizens that the district currently has adequate LPG stocks and there is no need for panic.
The administration has issued a stern warning that agencies supplying cylinders through unauthorized channels or using domestic gas for commercial purposes will face stringent penalties. This move aims to protect consumers and ensure fair distribution of LPG, a critical resource for households.
Extensive Inspections and Seizures
By Saturday evening, inspection teams had covered a wide range of locations, including 45 gas agencies and 40 hotels. During these checks, materials worth Rs 71,200 were seized, highlighting the scale of the illegal operations. Sangli district supply officer Ashish Fuluke provided detailed stock information, noting that the district has 2,784 tonnes of LPG from HPCL, 245 tonnes from BPCL, and 60 tonnes from IOCL.
Fuluke assured that supply to domestic consumers will continue uninterrupted, with cylinders being delivered strictly in the order of online bookings, subject to availability. This system is designed to maintain transparency and prevent hoarding or black marketing, ensuring that genuine users receive their allocations promptly.
Kolhapur's Parallel Crackdown Efforts
In Kolhapur, similar measures are being implemented to combat the misuse of domestic LPG. Five teams have been deployed under district supply officer Mohini Chavan to inspect hotels, gas agencies, and handcarts for any illegal activities. Chavan stated that notices have been served to all hotels and handcart owners, warning that criminal action and cylinder confiscation will follow if domestic cylinders are found being used for commercial purposes.
Kolhapur district, which has 112 gas agencies and requires 26,750 cylinders daily, is maintaining adequate stock levels. Chavan added that citizens need not queue outside agencies, as supplies are sufficient to meet demand. This proactive approach aims to deter potential offenders and ensure that LPG distribution remains fair and efficient across both districts.
The coordinated efforts in Sangli and Kolhapur reflect a broader commitment to enforcing regulations and safeguarding public resources. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, with further inspections planned to root out any remaining irregularities in the LPG supply chain.
