Joint Commissioner of Police (Transport) Milind Mahadeo Dumbere stated on Friday that strict measures are being enforced against hoarding and black marketing of LPG cylinders in the national capital.
He reported that four cases were registered on Thursday, bringing the total number of cases to 27, and some arrests have been made in connection with these offenses.
“The Delhi Police is taking all legal action necessary regarding hoarding and block marketing (of LPG cylinders). Four cases were registered yesterday, and raids have been conducted. A total of 27 cases have been registered to date. Some arrests have also happened,” Dumbere said.
He emphasised the police’s efforts to maintain law and order and the strict response to such illegal activities. “Local police have been deployed at gas agencies to maintain a law and order situation. The Intelligence wing is also working to ensure action on intelligence input. Joint action takes place with the Department of Food Supplies and Consumer Affairs as and when needed,” he added.
Earlier on Thursday, the government announced initiatives aimed at expanding Piped Natural Gas (PNG) connections to alleviate pressure on Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) supplies, amid the ongoing crisis in West Asia.
Speaking at an Inter-Ministerial Briefing on Recent Developments in West Asia, Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, outlined steps taken to promote PNG connections throughout the country. “The Indian government has taken several steps to promote PNG connections. This is also important because it will help ease the pressure on LPG,” she said.
Sharma also recalled that the government had issued an order encouraging states to promote PNG expansion by implementing ease-of-doing-business measures. “In this context, I would like to remind you that the Indian government had issued an order stating that 10 per cent additional commercial LPG will be provided if state governments promote PNG expansion through ease-of-doing-business measures,” she said.
According to Sharma, several states have benefited from this policy. “Around eight states have been given additional allocation, and applications from three states have been received and are under consideration,” she added.