Black marketing of domestic LPG cylinders begins; one booked

Lokmat News Network

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar

The impact of the war in Gulf countries is being felt locally as long queues for domestic LPG cylinders continue in the city, while the supply of commercial cylinders has stopped. As a result, many business establishments have started using domestic cylinders.

A supply department squad formed by the revenue administration inspected 62 hotels on Sunday and found three domestic cylinders being used at Adil Tea House in Buddhi Lane. Based on a complaint by supply inspector Dnyaneshwar Panchal, a case has been registered and the cylinders seized.

145 raids in three months

Between January and March 15, the supply department conducted 145 raids. In January and February, nine raids led to four cases and the seizure of 149 cylinders worth ₹6.62 lakh. In March so far, 136 raids resulted in the seizure of three cylinders worth ₹5,000 and one case.

Supply ‘normal’, say officials

Supply officer Pravin Phulari said domestic LPG supply remains normal through 20 agencies, with a current stock of 1.5–2 days and a daily supply capacity of 20,130 cylinders. Commercial cylinders are being supplied only for essential services, industrial gas is unavailable, and petrol and diesel stocks stand at about 50%.