Telangana cracks down on hoarders, seizes 3,699 domestic LPG cylinders; confiscates ₹1.10 Cr worth property

Hyderabad: The Telangana Civil Supplies Department has launched a massive crackdown on hoarders and black marketers and seized 3,699 illegal domestic LPG cylinders across the state.

The seizures were made during the special drive from March 12 to April 3, officials said.

Authorities also confiscated 70 small cylinders, with the total value of the seized property estimated at ₹1.10 crore.

Massive crackdown on illegal LPG use

Civil supplies authorities have booked 1,275 cases under Section 6A of the Essential Commodities Act. Police have lodged 216 FIRs for serious violations.

The provision empowers district collectors to confiscate essential commodities in cases of suspected hoarding and black-marketing.

The enforcement drive primarily targeted the illegal diversion of domestic LPG cylinders for commercial use, a violation that impacts both supply and pricing.

Strict action against misuse

Officials reiterated that stringent action will be taken against those found misusing subsidised domestic LPG for commercial purposes. The department has intensified inspections to curb such practices and ensure fair distribution.

No shortage of domestic LPG

The Civil Supplies Department assured consumers that there is no shortage of domestic LPG in the state. Authorities also cautioned the public against panic booking, stating that such behaviour disrupts the supply chain and affects timely delivery.

Public-sector oil marketing companies, Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL), and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL), are currently supplying an average of 2.15 lakh LPG cylinders daily across Telangana.

Auto LPG shortage hits drivers

Despite adequate domestic LPG supplies, the state is facing an auto LPG shortage, causing hardship for autorickshaw drivers. Civil Supplies Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy has flagged the issue with the Centre, seeking urgent additional allocations.

In a letter dated March 31 to Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, he highlighted a daily shortfall of 55 metric tonnes of auto LPG.

Impact on livelihoods

The shortage has severely affected nearly one lakh autorickshaws operating on LPG in the state, disrupting public transport services and impacting the livelihoods of drivers and their families.

The minister noted that immediate intervention is required to stabilise supplies and ease the burden on the transport sector.