Gas shortage exploited by miscreants: hundreds of cylinders seized across Karnataka
Several miscreants have been found exploiting the situation by illegally hoarding cylinders and selling them in the black market at inflated prices.
Bengaluru: Amid an ongoing shortage of domestic LPG cylinders in the state, several miscreants have been found exploiting the situation by illegally hoarding cylinders and selling them in the black market at inflated prices. The illegal racket has been unearthed in multiple districts, prompting police and food department officials to launch coordinated raids and crack down on offenders.
In Bidar district, a major operation was carried out under the Janawada police station limits, where authorities seized a total of 105 domestic gas cylinders. Among them were 23 filled cylinders and 82 empty ones, all reportedly stored for illegal resale at higher prices. Police have arrested four individuals in connection with the case and are further investigating the network behind the racket.
Similar violations were detected in Davanagere district’s Jagaluru taluk, where food department officials seized 20 cylinders that were being stored unlawfully. In Yadgir district, raids conducted in Shahapur and Bhimarayanagudi revealed that hotels and restaurants were illegally using domestic LPG cylinders for commercial purposes. A total of 19 cylinders were confiscated during the operation.
In Kolar district, particularly in the KGF region, officials led by the tahsildar conducted inspections in Robertsonpet and Andersonpet areas, seizing three domestic cylinders being misused. Authorities reiterated that using domestic LPG cylinders for commercial establishments is a punishable offence and warned of strict action against violators.
Meanwhile, the shortage has severely impacted consumers in several parts of the state. In Gadag district’s Nargund, gas agencies have reportedly displayed “No Stock” boards, leaving residents struggling to access basic cooking fuel. Similar scenes were witnessed in Koppal, where frustrated consumers staged protests outside gas agencies, leading to heated arguments.
Officials attribute the shortage partly to global fuel supply disruptions, which have affected distribution chains across the country. However, the rise in illegal hoarding and black marketing has worsened the situation on the ground.
Authorities have assured that stringent action will continue against those involved in such illegal practices. Citizens have also urged the government to ensure equitable distribution and stricter monitoring to prevent exploitation during the crisis.
