Bhubaneswar, 05 September (H.S.): The Odisha Government has intensified its crackdown on the black marketing and illegal hoarding of LPG cylinders, with enforcement teams conducting raids across the State and seizing more than 8,400 cylinders.

According to data released by the Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Department on September 5, enforcement squads carried out raids at 3,810 locations suspected of illegal LPG storage and black marketing. A total of 8,434 cylinders were seized during the operations.

The department has initiated legal proceedings against those involved, with 46 FIRs registered and 496 cases filed under the Essential Commodities (EC) Act. Nine persons have so far been arrested in connection with the illegal trade.

The department said enforcement drives will continue across the State to prevent the illegal hoarding and diversion of domestic LPG cylinders to the commercial market and ensure their availability to genuine household consumers.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda