Bhubaneswar, Sep 5: The Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Department has intensified its enforcement drive against the illegal hoarding and black marketing of LPG cylinders across Odisha, taking stringent action against those involved in the unlawful trade.

According to data released by the department on September 5, enforcement squads carried out raids at 3,810 locations across the state following information about the illegal storage and diversion of LPG cylinders for black marketing. During the extensive raids, officials seized 8,434 LPG cylinders from various locations.

The department has also initiated legal proceedings against those found violating the law. So far, 46 FIRs have been registered, while 496 cases have been filed under the Essential Commodities (EC) Act. In addition, nine persons have been arrested in connection with the illegal storage and trading of LPG cylinders.

Officials said the enforcement action is aimed at preventing the diversion of LPG cylinders intended for domestic consumers to the commercial market. Such illegal practices can affect the availability of cooking gas for genuine beneficiaries and encourage black-market pricing.

The department has warned that enforcement squads will continue conducting raids and taking strict action against violators. Authorities have also urged people to report instances of illegal LPG hoarding or black marketing to the concerned officials.

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