LPG Cylinder Shortage Latest News Update:Â Delhi Police have apprehended six individuals during separate raids, netting a total of 269 LPG cylinders as the city struggles with a gas shortage. The arrests were made as the authorities crack down on the illegal storage and sale of essential items.
Raid at Rajpur Khurd: 223 LPG Cylinders Seized from Illegal Storage
In the first raid, the Delhi Police raided a location at Rajpur Khurd village on Tuesday, netting 223 LPG cylinders. Of these, 16 were filled domestic LPG cylinders, 45 were empty domestic LPG cylinders, and 162 were empty commercial LPG cylinders. Additionally, the police also seized an electronic weighing machine as well as eight safety caps.
According to Deputy Commissioner of Police (South) Anant Mittal, the location had been used as an illegal storage facility without a license, posing a serious safety hazard to the surrounding residents.
Two Arrested for Illegal LPG Storage Without Licence
The two suspects, Hitesh Rathi, 38, and Arvind Kumar, 40, were caught on the spot. The suspects were not able to provide proper documents or a convincing reason for having such a huge stock of cylinders. Officials from the Food Supply and Consumer Affairs Department, along with gas company officials, checked the cylinders. The case under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Essential Commodities Act has been registered at the Maidan Garhi police station.
Khyala Raids: 46 LPG Cylinders Recovered from Rented Premises
In a separate operation on Wednesday, police acted on a tip-off and conducted raids at three locations in Khyala, West Delhi. A total of 46 LPG cylinders were recovered from rented properties and temporary sheds.
Four individuals—Shivmurat Singh (40), Raghuraj (26), Arvind Singh (27), and Ompal (37)—were arrested. Police also seized weighing machines and equipment used for illegal gas refilling.
Illegal LPG Refilling and Black Market Sale Exposed
During interrogation, the accused revealed that they procured cylinders from gas agencies in Paschim Vihar and Rajouri Garden using fake identities. They stored the cylinders in congested areas to avoid detection and illegally transferred gas from filled cylinders into empty ones.
This method allowed them to create additional cylinders, which were then sold in the black market at inflated prices of up to ₹3,000 per cylinder, compared to the regular price of around ₹900.
Probe into LPG Gas Agencies and Wider Network Underway
Police are now investigating the possible involvement of gas agency staff in facilitating these illegal operations. Three cases have been registered at Khyala police station, and authorities are working to uncover the full extent of the network behind the illegal LPG trade.
Crackdown on Illegal LPG Trade Intensifies
The recent seizures highlight strict enforcement action by Delhi Police against illegal LPG storage and black marketing. With investigations ongoing, authorities aim to ensure public safety and prevent misuse of essential resources during times of shortage.
