Due to increasing conflict in West Asia, the LPG cylinder crisis deepened across the country. Amidst this crisis, cylinder hoarding is being seen in many areas of the country. In this sequence, major action has been taken against black marketing of LPG gas cylinders in Mumbai. The rationing department has exposed a large network of illegal storage and transportation of LPG cylinders by conducting raids in Dongri area. In this operation, goods worth more than Rs 40 lakh have been seized, along with 8 vehicles have also been seized.
This action was taken on the basis of secret information received by Rationing Controller and Civil Supplies Director Chandrakant Dange. Understanding the seriousness of this matter, Chandrakant Dange immediately issued special instructions. After this, the flying squad team of the department conducted the campaign in a planned manner. During the raid near Wadi Bunder Bridge in Dongri, 8 suspicious vehicles were stopped and checked by the officials.
During investigation, a total of 451 LPG cylinders were recovered from these vehicles. The total value of the seized cylinders and vehicles is said to be around Rs 40.61 lakh. Preliminary investigation has revealed that these cylinders were being transported in vehicles without valid documents. These were to be used for black marketing or illegal supply. Mumbai Police has registered a case in the matter and further investigation is going on.
It may be noted that in view of the West Asia conflict, the Central Government had directed oil refineries across the country to increase LPG production to prevent hoarding and black marketing of LPG cylinders. India imports about 60 percent of its LPG consumption, of which about 90 percent is through the Strait of Hormuz. However, now the government is emphasizing on increasing domestic production, due to which domestic LPG production has increased by 25 percent. Along with this, consumers have been advised not to hurry in booking the cylinder.
Comments are closed.