Pune's LPG Shortage Ignites Risky Social Media Marketplace for Cylinders
The severe LPG cylinder crisis gripping Pune has unleashed a dangerous wave of illegal trading on social media platforms over recent days. Desperate residents are flooding online forums with posts offering to sell or resell the precious cooking fuel, while others issue frantic pleas to source cylinders through unofficial channels. This underground market is thriving amid supply constraints, exposing citizens to potential fraud and legal repercussions.
Alluring Offers Mask Hidden Dangers in Online Cylinder Sales
Investigations have uncovered numerous tempting advertisements circulating on social networks specifically created for trading this essential commodity. One post featured a photograph of a small domestic gas cylinder alongside contact details and a bold tagline stating: "No bargaining, fixed price of Rs900." Another advertisement claimed the seller had purchased a Bharat Gas cylinder just days earlier for Rs3,200 but was now relocating. Since agency norms prevent surrendering cylinders that aren't completely full, this individual offered the barely used domestic cylinder at a discounted rate of Rs2,000, requesting an empty cylinder in exchange.
A third post declared: "BPCL gas cylinder (full) available immediately. Price: Rs1,800." However, these seemingly attractive deals carry significant risks. A Hadapsar resident, speaking anonymously, revealed he nearly fell victim to such a scheme. "The post claimed someone in Hadapsar had an empty Bharat Gas cylinder and another half-empty one, both available together for Rs3,500. I contacted the seller and was instructed to transfer money, but a relative intervened, warning me it appeared suspicious. Convinced, I blocked the person," he recounted.
Residents Express Concern Over Proliferating Illegal Transactions
Bibvewadi resident Umesh Phalke reported observing numerous similar posts recently. "One person was selling a half-empty gas cylinder and burner for Rs3,000 total, while another offered an empty cylinder for Rs2,000 in Tilekarnagar. In yet another post, the seller demanded Rs5,000 for a stove set and cylinder. Most posts include cylinder photographs. Is this legal? Isn't there a proper agency process? Does the district administration know about these activities?" the working professional questioned.
The desperation extends beyond sellers to include buyers as well. Posts such as "Wanted, empty HP gas cylinder", "Wanted, any HP or Bharat Gas cylinder", and "Does anyone have a full Bharat Gas cylinder?" have proliferated across platforms. A representative from a Kondhwa gas agency cautioned that people's desperation is making them vulnerable to traps. "We continue home deliveries and receive many inquiries. However, individuals should avoid scams that could cost them money," the representative advised.
Officials Condemn Illegal Sales and Urge Vigilance
District Supply Officer Prashant Khatal explicitly condemned the emerging trend. "If this is occurring, it is illegal. At most, someone can lend their cylinder to a friend or neighbor temporarily, but selling it violates regulations," he stated. Pune District Collector Jitendra Dudi echoed this sentiment, urging citizens to verify information before believing or sharing it. "Social media is saturated with misinformation. People must avoid falling into this trap or being driven by panic," he emphasized.
Dudi clarified that domestic LPG cylinders are being supplied through an OTP-based delivery system with a mandatory 25-day interval between refills. "No authorized gas agency is charging above stipulated prices," he asserted. He warned that any allegations of overpricing require substantiation with proof. "If credible evidence emerges, we will take action, including suspending an agency's license," he declared. The collector added that cylinders are being delivered to doorsteps for those with domestic connections, eliminating the need for queues at gas agencies.
