51 LPG Cylinders Seized in Raid Amid Supply Crisis in Gajapati

Mohana (Gajapati): In a major enforcement action amid an escalating LPG shortage, officials seized 51 cooking gas cylinders during a raid on a local distributor in Mohana on Thursday.

A five-member team from the Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Department, led by the Sub-Collector, carried out a surprise inspection at an LPG distribution agency near Mohana High School Chowk. During the raid, authorities seized 51 HPCL cylinders, including 27 filled and 24 empty ones.

Officials said the distributor failed to produce mandatory documents and did not possess a valid fire safety licence at the counter. It was also found that customers were not being issued bills after receiving gas cylinders. Citing these violations, the administration carried out the seizure and initiated a detailed inquiry.

The Sub-Collector stated that appropriate action, including imposition of fines, will be taken against the agency following the investigation.

The raid comes amid a worsening LPG crisis in the region. Consumers alleged that home delivery services have nearly stopped, with dealers citing supply shortages. Many residents are being asked to collect cylinders from designated points, resulting in long queues and delays.

Despite prior bookings, several consumers reported returning empty-handed after waiting for hours. Daily wage earners, students and working individuals said they are being forced to miss work to secure cooking gas.

Although the government had announced that eligible individuals could obtain 5-kg cylinders upon showing Aadhaar cards at dealer points or petrol pumps, residents complained that such cylinders are largely unavailable at petrol outlets.

Meanwhile, allegations of illegal gas trading have further heightened public concern, prompting intensified monitoring and enforcement by district authorities.