Major LPG diversion racket busted; 3,699 domestic cylinders seized
Hyderabad : Authorities seized 3,699 domestic LPG cylinders and 70 small cylinders in a large-scale crackdown on illegal diversion of subsidised cooking gas, officials said.
The total value of the seized property is estimated at ₹1.10 crore.
Officials said the enforcement drive exposed a network allegedly involved in diverting domestic LPG cylinders for commercial use, violating provisions of the Essential Commodities Act.
As part of the action, authorities registered 1,275 cases under Section 6A of the Act and filed 216 First Information Reports (FIRs).
Illegal diversion linked to commercial usage patterns
Preliminary findings indicate that subsidised domestic cylinders were being redirected for use in hotels, eateries and small businesses to reduce operational costs. Officials said such practices disrupt supply to genuine household consumers and lead to revenue losses.
Authorities step up monitoring and enforcement measures
Officials said inspections have been intensified at distribution points, transport routes and storage locations. Surveillance teams have also been deployed to track repeated violations and identify key operators behind the network.
Authorities added that further investigation is underway to trace the supply chain, including distributors and intermediaries, and more cases may be registered based on evidence gathered.
