Uttar Pradesh Intensifies Drive Against LPG Hoarders; Hundreds of Raids Conducted, Dozens Booked
In a sweeping action aimed at dismantling illegal profiteering networks and preventing artificial shortages of cooking gas, the Uttar Pradesh state government has carried out an extensive enforcement drive against those accused of hoarding and black marketing LPG cylinders.
According to official figures released on Saturday, enforcement teams conducted inspections and raids at 2,554 locations across the state over the past two days.
The crackdown led to the arrest of eight individuals, while five cases were registered against LPG distributors suspected of violating supply regulations.
In addition, 35 FIRs were lodged against alleged black market operators, and legal proceedings have been initiated against 37 other individuals believed to be involved in irregularities related to the distribution and sale of LPG cylinders.
The large-scale operation was carried out jointly by the Food and Civil Supplies Department and district administrative authorities, who have been actively inspecting supply chains and distribution points to ensure uninterrupted availability of essential fuels such as petrol, diesel, and domestic LPG for the public.
Senior officials said the action is part of the government’s firm stance against attempts to create artificial scarcity for quick monetary gains.
The move has drawn appreciation from people across various sections of society, many of whom have welcomed the administration’s proactive efforts to prevent exploitation of consumers during a period of heightened uncertainty.
Chief Secretary S. P. Goyal has issued clear directives to all District Magistrates to remain vigilant and take immediate steps to maintain steady supplies of petroleum products and cooking gas throughout the state.
Officials have been instructed to closely monitor distribution networks and conduct frequent inspections so that no disruption, hoarding, or manipulation of supply occurs anywhere.
Government data indicates that adequate reserves of LPG cylinders are currently available with 4,108 distributors across the state, and refilled cylinders are being delivered to consumers strictly according to their registered bookings.
Authorities emphasised that the supply chain remains stable and that consumers should not panic or believe rumours regarding shortages.
To further safeguard commercial activity, the Central government has also allowed allocation of up to 20 per cent of the total LPG consumption for commercial cylinders, ensuring that restaurants, hotels, and other establishments dependent on cooking gas continue to receive an uninterrupted supply.
In order to maintain constant surveillance over the distribution network and respond promptly to complaints, a 24-hour monitoring control room has been established at the Food Commissioner’s office, staffed by officials from the Food and Civil Supplies Department.
Additionally, personnel have been stationed at the Home Department Control Room, while separate monitoring centres have been set up in every district.
Field-level monitoring has also been intensified. Officials from district supply offices, along with local administrative teams, are conducting regular ground visits to LPG agencies and distribution points to verify stock levels and ensure that cylinders reach consumers without delay.
Despite the intensified enforcement measures, authorities have acknowledged that isolated reports continue to surface about certain individuals attempting to secretly profit from the situation.
The developments come at a time when geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have triggered concerns about energy supplies worldwide, prompting the government to keep a particularly close watch on fuel distribution systems.
Officials reiterated that the administration will continue strict action against anyone found manipulating supplies or exploiting public concerns for personal gain.
They stressed that ensuring uninterrupted access to cooking gas and other essential fuels is a fundamental responsibility of the government, and any attempt to mislead consumers by falsely claiming shortages will be dealt with firmly.
Meanwhile, several social activists and organisations have expressed surprise that in such progressive times and the lifestyle that people have picked up, it is very difficult to stand in a queue and wait for a cooking gas cylinder.
There are homes where there are no such people who would be able to stand under the sun for long. There are reports that a 70-year-old person died while waiting for the refill to be delivered to him. This is very disturbing.
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