Odisha Cracks Down on LPG Black Marketing

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has intensified its crackdown on the black marketing of LPG cylinders amid concerns over potential supply disruptions linked to ongoing tensions in the Middle East, officials said on Thursday.

Acting on directives from the state government, the Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Department has launched coordinated raids across several districts to curb illegal hoarding and diversion of domestic cooking gas. The drive aims to prevent artificial scarcity and shield consumers from inflated prices caused by illicit trade.

In Angul town, officials conducted a surprise raid at a gas stove repair shop in Hemsurapada Chowk following a tip-off about illegal storage. During the operation, 18 LPG cylinders were seized. Legal action has been initiated against the shop owner, officials confirmed, adding that enforcement efforts will be further intensified.

In a separate and more significant operation in Gajapati district, officials carried out a raid in Birikote village under Mohana block on the instructions of the District Collector. Acting on specific intelligence, a search at the residence of Hrushikesh Paik in Bindhani Sahi led to the recovery of 90 LPG cylinders.

The seized stock included 34 filled and 14 empty HP gas cylinders, five filled and 24 empty Indane cylinders, and 13 empty Bharat Gas cylinders. Of the total, 39 cylinders were filled, while 51 were empty.

Officials said the scale of the seizure indicates the presence of a well-organised racket involved in illegal hoarding and possible diversion of subsidised domestic LPG cylinders. They noted that storing such large quantities without a valid licence is a serious violation of regulations.

Reiterating its zero-tolerance stance, the state government has warned of stringent action against those involved in black marketing. The enforcement drive is expected to continue across other districts in the coming days.