Odisha Authorities Crack Down on LPG Black Market Amid Shortages
In a significant enforcement action, civil supplies officials in Odisha seized a total of 157 domestic LPG cylinders from three separate locations on Wednesday. This crackdown comes amid a severe shortage of commercial cylinders, exacerbated by ongoing tensions in West Asia, which has driven illicit activities in the region.
Raids Uncover Hidden Stockpiles
Based on intelligence inputs, officials launched coordinated raids in Bhubaneswar and Khurda districts. At a timber depot in Samantarapur, Bhubaneswar, they discovered 13 filled cylinders and 100 empty ones, with 99 of these being domestic cylinders. The depot was cleverly used as a shield to conceal the hoarding operation, making it difficult for outsiders to detect.
Civil supplies officer Gyana Ranjan Mishra from Khurda explained, "The timber depot appeared ordinary, but inside, cylinders were stacked like a licensed gas depot. We found cylinders from various companies assembled for illegal sale at exorbitant prices."
Targeting Exploitative Sales Practices
From two additional locations in Khurda, authorities recovered 44 more domestic cylinders. One individual involved in stocking and selling these cylinders has been detained for questioning. The cylinders were primarily being sold to small eateries and hotels that rely on commercial gas, which is currently in short supply.
Mishra added, "While a domestic cylinder officially costs around Rs 950, this man was charging between Rs 2,500 and Rs 3,000—more than triple the price. Roadside eateries are desperate for sources to keep their businesses running."
Government Response and Future Actions
The food supplies and consumer welfare department has directed officials to intensify efforts against black marketing, following reports of genuine consumers facing difficulties in obtaining cylinders. In response to the shortage, the department has also introduced measures allowing students and migrant workers to purchase 5 kg cylinders by presenting valid ID proof.
Civil supplies sleuths in the twin cities of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack have announced plans to ramp up raids in the coming days to curb such illegal activities and ensure fair distribution of LPG resources.
