New Delhi: Authorities in Lucknow conducted a large-scale crackdown on alleged black marketing of cooking gas cylinders, raiding 1,483 locations across the city and arresting six individuals, officials said on Saturday.
The operation was carried out by the Uttar Pradesh Food and Civil Supplies Department in coordination with the district administration, aiming to curb illegal hoarding and black marketing of LPG cylinders amid ongoing supply concerns.
According to a statement issued by the Government of Uttar Pradesh late Friday night, raids were carried out simultaneously across multiple areas following reports that some traders and individuals were illegally storing and selling domestic LPG cylinders at inflated prices.
During the inspections, authorities checked warehouses, distribution points, and suspected storage sites to ensure that cylinders meant for domestic use were not diverted into the black market. Officials said strict action would be taken against those violating supply regulations.
“As part of the operation, 24 FIRs were registered against individuals allegedly involved in illegal storage and black marketing of LPG cylinders,” the statement added.
Officials said the crackdown aims to protect consumers from exploitation and ensure a smooth supply of cooking gas to households. They warned that further inspections will continue in the coming days to prevent hoarding and illegal trading. Residents have been urged to report any suspicious sale or storage of LPG cylinders to help enforcement teams take immediate action.
Similar enforcement drives have been reported in other parts of the country. In Chhattisgarh, authorities recently seized 741 LPG cylinders from 102 locations during raids conducted by the state Food Department and district administrations to curb hoarding and black marketing.
Meanwhile, in Mumbai, officials uncovered illegal gas cylinder storage in the Worli area. Authorities raided a residential location where cylinders were allegedly being illegally refilled and sold at higher prices. Several filled and empty cylinders were seized, along with a transport vehicle, and a case was registered in connection with the incident.
Officials across states have said operations are being intensified nationwide to prevent illegal LPG trading and ensure essential cooking gas supplies reach consumers safely and without disruption.
With IANS inputs