Bhubaneswar: In a decisive move to protect consumers from market exploitation, Odisha Government in the Department of Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare has launched a massive enforcement drive against the illegal hoarding and black marketing of LPG cylinders across the state.
Under the direct instructions of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and the active leadership of Principal Secretary Shri Sanjay Kumar Singh, the Enforcement Team has intensified its crackdown to protect consumers from artificial shortages and inflated prices.
As of the latest reports released today, the department’s vigilance teams have successfully conducted raids at 2,224 locations across various districts. These inspections targeted both gas agencies and unauthorized storage points suspected of diverting domestic and commercial cylinders to the black market.
The operation has yielded significant results in curbing illicit trade. Official data confirms that 4,690 LPG cylinders have been seized so far. The department’s legal actions have been swift, with 360 cases registered in the courts of District Magistrates under the Essential Commodities (EC) Act. Furthermore, 31 First Information Reports (FIRs) have been filed at various police stations, leading to the arrest of five individuals directly involved in hoarding activities.
Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Majhi recently reviewed the state’s essential commodity supply chain, assuring the public that there is no genuine shortage of LPG or fuel in Odisha. He emphasized that the government remains committed to maintaining a stable supply and warned that any attempts to exploit consumers through artificial scarcity would be met with the highest level of administrative action.
Principal Secretary Shri Sanjay Kumar Singh is personally monitoring the daily progress of the enforcement teams. Known for his “no-nonsense” approach, Shri Singh has directed Chief District Civil Supply Officers to ensure that every complaint from a consumer is investigated immediately. The department has also appealed to the public to use official helplines to report any instances of overcharging or illegal stockpiling.
The streamlining of the supply chain through these enforcement measures has already begun to show positive results on the ground. Reports from various districts indicate that domestic LPG delivery has returned to a normal schedule, and the long queues previously seen at some distribution points have disappeared.
Consumers are encouraged to purchase cylinders only from authorized distributors at the government-mandated rates. The Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Department continues to remain on high alert to ensure that the interests of the common citizen are prioritized and protected.