The Civil Supplies Department in Telangana has intensified its crackdown on LPG hoarding and black-marketing, seizing 3,699 illegal domestic cylinders and 70 small cylinders between March 12 and April 3.
₹1.10 Crore Worth Seizures, Over 1,200 Cases Filed
Officials said the total value of seized property is ₹1.10 crore. Enforcement action includes:
- 1,275 cases registered under the Essential Commodities Act (Section 6A)
- 216 FIRs lodged against offenders
Under Section 6A, district collectors are empowered to confiscate essential commodities in cases of hoarding and black marketing.
Action Against Misuse of Domestic LPG
Authorities are taking strict action against:
- Use of domestic LPG cylinders for commercial purposes
- Unauthorized storage and diversion
The department reiterated that misuse will attract stringent penalties.
No Shortage of Domestic LPG
Officials clarified that:
- Domestic LPG supply remains adequate and stable
- Public sector oil companies—Indian Oil Corporation, Bharat Petroleum Corporation, and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited—supply around 2.15 lakh cylinders daily in the state
Consumers have been advised to avoid panic booking, which can disrupt the supply chain.
Govt Assures Sufficient Fuel Stocks
Civil Supplies Minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy assured that petroleum stocks are sufficient for over three months, addressing concerns triggered by recent panic buying.
Auto LPG Shortage Hits Transport Sector
Despite adequate domestic supply, Telangana is facing a shortage of auto LPG, impacting:
- Nearly 1 lakh LPG-run autorickshaws
- Public transport services
- Livelihoods of auto drivers
The state has reported a daily shortfall of 55 metric tonnes.
Centre Urged to Increase Supply
On March 31, Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy wrote to Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, seeking urgent additional allocation of auto LPG to address the deficit.
