Agra Administration Intensifies LPG Crackdown with Major Raid Seizing 128 Cylinders
In response to the ongoing LPG crisis, the Agra district administration has significantly escalated its efforts to combat irregularities in the liquefied petroleum gas sector. A decisive operation on Friday resulted in the seizure of 128 domestic gas cylinders, marking a critical step in the crackdown on black marketing and illegal distribution practices.
Joint Raid Uncovers Illegal Storage and Refilling Operation
Acting on specific intelligence, a coordinated team from the supply department conducted a targeted raid at a residence near the Tatpur bus stand in Jagner. The operation, led by District Supply Officer Anand Kumar Singh, exposed an unauthorized storage and refilling setup operating in violation of established regulations.
The confiscated items included:
- 121 empty Indane cylinders
- Three filled Indane cylinders
- Three empty BPCL cylinders
- One empty HP cylinder
- Two filled 5-kilogram commercial cylinders
Although the property owner, Ashok Singhal, was absent during the intervention, legal actions have been formally initiated against him. He faces charges under the Essential Commodities Act of 1955 and pertinent sections of the LPG Control Order from 2000.
Administration Implements Stringent Measures to Ensure Transparent Distribution
District Magistrate Aravind Mallappa Bangari has directed rigorous enforcement protocols to curb malpractices and guarantee equitable LPG distribution. This raid follows closely on the heels of recent incidents highlighting black marketing and disorder at local gas agencies.
In one notable case, staff at an Achhnera gas agency were assaulted by individuals demanding cylinders without valid bookings, leading to police arrests.
To address these challenges, DM Bangari convened a meeting with LPG distributors at the collectorate, issuing clear directives:
- Prohibition of cylinder deliveries without online bookings and valid Delivery Authentication Codes (DAC)
- Mandatory 100% home delivery of LPG cylinders in urban zones to minimize crowding at agency outlets
- Display of essential consumer information, including booking norms, refill intervals, and helpline numbers
- Establishment of help desks for efficient grievance redressal
Bangari emphasized that surprise inspections will be conducted regularly, with strict penalties for overcharging and illicit activities. He affirmed that the drive against illegal LPG trade and distribution misconduct will persist across Agra district to protect consumer interests and maintain market integrity.
