Major LPG Black Marketing Syndicate Busted in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar
In a significant crackdown on fuel hoarding, authorities in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Maharashtra, have seized a massive cache of 396 LPG cylinders from a warehouse in the Waluj area. The raid, conducted on Wednesday evening, marks the first large-scale seizure of cylinders from multiple oil marketing companies at a single location across the state.
Unprecedented Seizure Exposes Distributor Syndicate
The seized cylinders included 167 commercial units, with the remaining being domestic cylinders. Supply Inspector Meenal Pawar-Kulkarni of Gangapur tehsil revealed that cylinders from five different oil marketing companies were found illegally hoarded at a godown in Sector C of Waluj. The warehouse owner is reportedly an LPG distributor, leading authorities to suspect a coordinated syndicate operation.
"We suspect that LPG distributors concerned were acting in a syndicate to carry out black marketing of cylinders during the current LPG crisis," Pawar-Kulkarni stated on Thursday. The godown was registered for pharmacy-related business but was exposed during a survey of non-functional units by MIDC authorities.
Legal Action and Ongoing Investigations
The MIDC Waluj Police have registered an offence against three individuals under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955. The main accused is alleged to be operating multiple LPG distributing companies, amplifying concerns about systemic malpractice in the fuel supply chain.
This seizure highlights growing issues with LPG availability and distribution in the region, with authorities stepping up vigilance against illegal hoarding practices that exacerbate shortages for consumers.
Separate Raid Uncovers Illegal Refilling Operation
In a related development, another enforcement action on Wednesday exposed illegal refilling of commercial LPG cylinders using domestic cylinders in the Shahnoorwadi area. Jawahar Nagar police seized 64 cylinders during this raid, including 40 commercial units.
Additional items confiscated included a weighing machine and materials worth approximately ₹1.5 lakh. A 52-year-old accused faces charges under BNS Section 288 for negligent conduct involving explosive substances and under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955.
Broader Implications for Fuel Security
These coordinated raids underscore the challenges facing LPG distribution systems during periods of heightened demand or supply constraints. The discovery of such large-scale hoarding operations suggests organized attempts to profit from market shortages through unauthorized means.
Authorities have emphasized their commitment to continuing such crackdowns to ensure equitable distribution of essential commodities and prevent exploitation of consumers during crises. The cases remain under investigation as officials work to dismantle any broader networks involved in fuel black marketing.
