Delhi Police Ramps Up Surveillance Across LPG Godowns, Distribution Points

New Delhi, Mar 14 (PTI) Amid prevailing concerns over irregular LPG supply, the Delhi Police has intensified surveillance at LPG godowns and distribution points across the city. Officers have been deployed in plain clothes and are holding meetings with gas distributors, warning of strict legal action against anyone involved in black marketing. This action comes a day after the cancellation of routine leave for police personnel to maintain law and order amid rising anxiety among households and businesses regarding the availability of cooking gas.

Police teams are now stationed near LPG godowns and distribution centres, both in uniform and in civilian attire, to monitor the situation closely and prevent hoarding and illegal sales of cylinders. Senior officers have held discussions with gas distributors in their districts to ensure smooth distribution of LPG cylinders to consumers. They have cautioned that strict action will be taken if any instances of black marketing are discovered.

"If anyone is found involved in black marketing or illegal sale of LPG cylinders, strict legal action will be taken, and a case will be registered under the relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS)," an officer said. According to the police, this increased vigilance aims to prevent panic buying, overcrowding, and any attempts to exploit the supply situation by selling cylinders at inflated prices.

On March 12, the Delhi Police issued an order cancelling routine leave for its personnel to ensure adequate deployment across the city. The order, issued by the Joint Commissioner of Police (Operations), directed all districts and units not to grant routine leave until further instructions, except in genuine emergency cases after due verification and approval by the competent authority. The communication had also asked district police units to keep a close watch on LPG distribution points and maintain law and order around gas agencies where long queues were being reported.

Earlier, station house officers (SHOs) were directed to prepare lists of gas agencies in their jurisdictions and deploy police personnel near them to ensure smooth distribution and prevent any untoward situation. Police teams, including PCR vans, motorcycle patrol units and plain-clothes personnel, have since been stationed near several gas agencies and godowns across the city.

Several households and businesses, particularly restaurants, have reported disruptions in regular LPG supply in recent days, prompting some to shift temporarily to alternatives such as piped natural gas and induction cooking.