Authorities in Lucknow have conducted a significant crackdown on the alleged black marketing of cooking gas cylinders. The operation involved raids at 1,483 locations across the city, resulting in the arrest of six individuals. This initiative was led by the Uttar Pradesh Food and Civil Supplies Department in collaboration with the district administration to address concerns regarding illegal hoarding and black marketing of LPG cylinders.
According to an official statement from the Government of Uttar Pradesh, the raids were carried out simultaneously in various areas of the city. The purpose was to tackle reports of traders and individuals engaging in the illegal storage and sale of domestic LPG cylinders at inflated prices. Inspections targeted warehouses, distribution points, and suspected storage sites to ensure that LPG cylinders designated for domestic use were not being diverted to the black market.
During the operation, authorities registered 24 FIRs against individuals suspected of involvement in illegal storage and black marketing of LPG cylinders. The crackdown aims to safeguard consumers from exploitation and maintain a smooth supply of cooking gas to households. Officials have emphasized that stringent action will be taken against those violating supply regulations.
To prevent hoarding and illegal trading of LPG cylinders, officials have announced ongoing inspections in the days ahead. Residents are encouraged to report any suspicious sale or storage of LPG cylinders to facilitate immediate enforcement action.
Similar enforcement activities have been conducted in other parts of the country. In Chhattisgarh, 741 LPG cylinders were seized from 102 locations during recent raids by the state Food Department and district administrations. In Mumbai, authorities uncovered an instance of illegal gas cylinder storage in the Worli area, leading to the seizure of filled and empty cylinders, a transport vehicle, and the initiation of legal proceedings.
Authorities nationwide are intensifying such operations to combat illegal LPG trading and ensure the safe and uninterrupted supply of essential cooking gas to consumers.
