New Delhi, Apr 2 (PTI) Delhi government on Thursday cracked down on unauthorised LPG refilling centres in outer north Delhi’s Alipur area and initiated legal action against those involved, officials said.
Following the action, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said in a statement that “any attempt to exploit consumers or manipulate LPG distribution will invite the strictest possible action”.
Gupta reiterated the government’s “zero-tolerance policy towards black marketing and hoarding” and said it will continue to act decisively against offenders, while assuring that there is no shortage of LPG supply in the national capital.
According to the statement, Thursday’s action followed inputs from a sting operation aired on a national news channel on April 1.
“Acting on the information, a joint enforcement team of the food supplies department and oil marketing companies conducted a raid at the identified premises earlier in the day,” the statement read.
During the inspection, officials detected illegal refilling of LPG cylinders, a practice that poses safety risks and disrupts regulated supply. Three consumer passbooks were also recovered, which were allegedly being misused to procure subsidised cylinders for unauthorised refilling and resale in smaller units.
All materials found at the site have been seized, and an FIR was registered against the accused, according to the statement.
To ensure swift action on violations, the government has approved the formation of 13 district-level teams headed by sub-divisional magistrate (headquarters). These teams will coordinate with relevant departments and conduct targeted operations based on intelligence inputs and public complaints, officials said.
The government has also urged citizens to report suspicious activities through helpline numbers 011-23379836 and 8383824659, which would be operational between 9 am and 7 pm every day. It promised that verified complaints will be acted upon promptly and informants’ identities will be kept confidential.
According to the official statement, in a move aimed at ensuring transparency, daily press briefings will be held at 4 pm at the food supplies and consumer affairs department headquarters at Vikas Bhawan.
Highlighting the risks of illegal refilling, Gupta said it not only undermines fair distribution but also creates hazardous conditions due to unsafe handling and storage of cylinders.
She warned that individuals or entities found involved in hoarding, unauthorised storage, overpricing or illegal resale of LPG cylinders will face stringent legal consequences, including prosecution, cancellation of licences and seizure of stock.
In the statement, the government reiterated its commitment to safeguarding consumer interests and ensuring the uninterrupted and lawful availability of LPG across Delhi. PTI VBH RUK RUK
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