Odisha Government Cracks Down on Illegal LPG Cylinder Trade, Seizes Over 8,000 Cylinders

In a sweeping operation that stretched from the coastal belt to the hinterlands, Odisha’s Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Department stepped up its fight against the black marketing of LPG cylinders. Over a few days, enforcement squads swooped into 3,810 locations that were suspected of hoarding cylinders for illegal resale.

What they found was staggering – a total of 8,434 cylinders, meant for subsidised domestic use, were seized and taken into custody. The sheer volume points to a well‑organised network that was diverting essential fuel to the commercial market, driving up prices for ordinary families.

Legal action moved quickly. The department logged 46 First Information Reports (FIRs) and lodged 496 cases under the Essential Commodities (EC) Act, the law that seeks to prevent hoarding of essential goods. So far, nine individuals have been arrested, a clear signal that the authorities are not turning a blind eye.

Officials stressed that this is just the beginning. “We will continue to monitor, raid and prosecute anyone who tries to exploit the public by black‑marketing subsidised LPG,” a senior officer said, adding that the crackdown aims to protect the most vulnerable consumers.

The crackdown comes at a time when many households across the state still rely heavily on LPG for cooking, making the availability of affordable cylinders a matter of daily comfort and safety. By curbing illegal hoarding, the government hopes to ensure that subsidised cylinders reach the people who need them the most.

Watch this space for further updates, as the department plans additional surprise raids in the coming weeks to keep the supply chain clean and transparent.