LPG Black Market Crisis: Hyderabad Racket Busted
LPG Black Market Racket Busted in Hyderabad: 414 Cylinders Seized
Authorities in Hyderabad have cracked down on a major illegal cooking gas operation, highlighting the ongoing challenges of the LPG crisis in India. In a significant enforcement action, the Commissioner’s Task Force, Jubilee Hills Zone, in coordination with Banjara Hills Police, arrested ten individuals involved in the illegal storage and black marketing of LPG cylinders.
Acting on specific intelligence regarding the illegal LPG sale at inflated prices, police teams dynamic a targeted Hyderabad LPG raid on Sunday near Nagarjuna X Road in the Banjara Hills area. The accused were allegedly caught in the act of distributing cylinders in an open space, bypassing critical safety regulations and price controls.
Massive Gas Cylinder Seizure Highlights Scale
During the operation, law enforcement officials confiscated a substantial quantity of 414 LPG cylinders of varying sizes, including both domestic (14.2 kg) and commercial (19 kg) units. The gas cylinder seizure also included several vehicles used in the distribution network, such as Tata Ace, Tata Intra, Bolero, DCM vans, and auto-rickshaws. The total value of the seized goods and vehicles is estimated to be approximately ₹21.88 lakh, highlighting the extensive scale of this illegal supply chain.
Investigators identified the key accused as Mohd. Aamir, who was reportedly operating an establishment named “Metro Gas Agency” without adhering to safety or regulatory guidelines. Instead of proper storage facilities, cylinders were kept in the open, creating significant public safety risks. The Banjara Hills Police revealed that the group exploited high demand by rerouting supplies through a network involving delivery workers and drivers to sell them illegally at higher prices.
Strict Action Against LPG Black Marketing Promised
Gaikwad Vaibhav Raghunath, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Task Force), emphasized that stringent measures will be taken against those involved in LPG black marketing and the illegal trade of essential goods. This crackdown is part of a broader commitment by authorities to ensure fair distribution and public safety in the face of the ongoing LPG crisis in India. Consumers are always encouraged to book refills through authorized channels, such as the official LPG portal, to avoid being scammed or supporting illegal operations.
While this raid focused on illegal sales, regular consumers in Telangana remain concerned about legitimate LPG price in Hyderabad and across the state. Monitoring the latest LPG rates in Telangana is crucial as prices are subject to change by Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs).
