LPG Black Marketing Racket Busted: 32 Cylinders Stored Illegally At Private House In Hapur Seized

Authorities in Hapur district of Uttar Pradesh seized dozens of domestic LPG cylinders during a late-night raid after receiving information about illegal storage and possible black marketing. The action was taken as several parts of the country are witnessing long queues at gas agencies and growing concerns over cooking gas supply.

Officials said the raid was part of a wider crackdown ordered by the district administration to prevent hoarding and illegal sale of LPG cylinders.

Cylinders Found Stored in Private Residence

According to officials, the raid took place around 9 pm at a private residence in the district. During the search, authorities discovered 32 domestic LPG cylinders, including 18 filled cylinders and 14 empty ones, stored inside the house.

District Supply Officer Seema Baliyan confirmed that the cylinders were immediately seized and legal action was initiated.

She said that the District Magistrate (DM) had formed special teams in every tehsil to monitor illegal storage and black marketing of LPG cylinders. These teams are conducting regular patrols and inspections to ensure that cooking gas reaches genuine consumers.

Authorities have also registered a case against the person involved in the incident.

Administration Says LPG Supply Is Adequate

While the raid highlighted illegal hoarding, officials maintained that LPG, petrol and diesel supplies in Hapur remain sufficient.

District Supply Officer Seema Baliyan urged residents not to panic and to follow proper procedures for booking gas cylinders.

She said consumers can easily book cylinders online or through gas agencies, and supplies are being distributed regularly across the district.

Authorities also warned that strict action would be taken against anyone involved in hoarding or selling LPG cylinders illegally.

Middle East Conflict Affecting Global Energy Supply

The incident comes at a time when global energy markets are facing uncertainty due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East following attacks involving Israel, the United States, and Iran.

Iran is one of the world's major producers of oil and natural gas. The conflict has disrupted energy supply chains and increased concerns about the availability of petroleum products and LPG in several countries.

India, which imports a significant amount of energy, has also felt the impact, with reports of gas supply delays and pressure on distribution systems emerging from different regions.

Long Queues Reported at Gas Agencies

In several states, including Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, consumers have reported waiting in long lines at gas agencies to get LPG cylinders.

Many people say they have had to wait for hours as agencies struggle to manage demand. Complaints about delays in cylinder delivery and temporary stock shortages have also surfaced in some districts.

These conditions have created opportunities for illegal traders to hoard cylinders and sell them at inflated prices in the black market.

Police Raid Conducted After Informer Tip-Off

The Hapur raid was conducted after police received information from an informer about illegal storage of LPG cylinders at a house in Asoda village, which falls under the jurisdiction of the rural police station.

Acting quickly on the tip-off, police officers conducted a search at the location. During the inspection, they found a large number of domestic gas cylinders stored inside the property.

Officials believe the cylinders were being stockpiled to take advantage of the current gas supply situation.

Homeowner Detained for Questioning

Police have detained the homeowner and are questioning him regarding the storage of cylinders.

All the seized cylinders have been handed over to the supply department, which has started a detailed investigation into the case. Authorities are trying to determine how the cylinders were obtained and whether a larger black marketing network is involved.

Officials believe that the cylinders were intended to be sold later at higher prices during the ongoing supply panic, but the raid prevented the plan from being carried out.

Authorities Warn Against Black Marketing

District authorities have made it clear that strict action will continue against illegal LPG storage and black marketing.

Officials are urging citizens to report suspicious activities and avoid buying cylinders from unauthorized sellers.

As monitoring teams continue inspections across the district, authorities hope these measures will ensure fair distribution of LPG cylinders and prevent exploitation of consumers during the current situation.