Daijiworld Media Network – Bhopal
Bhopal, Mar 14: Amid long queues outside LPG agencies in Bhopal, an illegal network selling cooking gas cylinders at inflated prices has reportedly begun operating across parts of the city.
Residents say that while official LPG supplies remain difficult to obtain, cylinders are available through unofficial channels at prices Rs 400 to Rs 500 higher than the government rate.
An investigation in the Ashoka Garden area found that some shops repairing gas stoves were allegedly supplying LPG cylinders illegally to consumers. Reports also suggest that small domestic cylinders are being refilled inside residential neighbourhoods, raising serious safety concerns in densely populated areas.
The illegal trade has emerged as many consumers struggle to secure cylinders through authorised distributors.
Authorities have launched enforcement action across several cities in Madhya Pradesh. In Bhopal, the Food Department registered a case against Laiq, son of Shahid Miyan, for allegedly running an illegal gas refilling operation in the Gandhinagar area. Officials seized 16 domestic cylinders from the site.
In Indore, officials from the Food and Civil Supplies Department raided an illegal gas warehouse in the New Loha Mandi area and seized 66 cylinders, including 24 commercial and 42 domestic units, from a warehouse belonging to Hariom Gupta.
A similar crackdown was reported in Jabalpur where the Crime Branch conducted a raid within the Adhartal police station limits. During the operation at a residential property in Jagdamba Colony, authorities recovered 46 cylinders.
Police said the raid was carried out at the residence of Pradeep Sahu (55), son of Ruplal Sahu. Officials seized eight filled cylinders, 32 empty cylinders, four commercial cylinders and two small cylinders belonging to Bharat Petroleum and Indian Oil Corporation. Investigators suspect Sahu had been involved in illegal gas sales for a long time and the raid was conducted following a tip-off.
Despite the enforcement drives, consumers continue to face difficulties obtaining LPG cylinders. Long queues outside LPG agencies have become a common sight in Bhopal, with residents waiting for hours in the heat hoping to receive their booked cylinders.
“I have been standing here since 8 in the morning,” said Baby Shanu, who was waiting outside an agency. “It is extremely difficult. There isn’t even drinking water here and my cylinder at home has already run out.”
The situation has become more challenging for families observing the holy month of Ramadan, when cooking schedules revolve around pre-dawn and evening meals.
“I came yesterday as well. My booking has been pending for days but I still haven’t received a cylinder,” said Ishrat Jahan, adding that no one else at home could stand in line on her behalf.
According to official data, Madhya Pradesh has more than 1.76 crore LPG consumers, with supply provided by companies including Indian Oil Corporation, Bharat Petroleum and Hindustan Petroleum.
Around 2.75 lakh cylinders were dispatched across the state on March 9, roughly in line with normal daily supply levels. Bhopal typically receives about 15,000 cylinders per day, while Indore gets nearly 25,000, Jabalpur around 20,000 to 25,000, and Gwalior about 20,000 cylinders daily.
However, distributors and consumers claim that supply in several areas has dropped by nearly 25 percent, forcing people to wait longer for deliveries.
In some neighbourhoods, families have begun returning to wood and coal stoves after their LPG cylinders ran empty. For many working professionals, the shortage has also meant losing work hours while waiting in queues.
Despite the complaints, the state government insists there is no shortage. Govind Singh Rajput said India produces about half of its LPG domestically while the rest is imported, but overall supply remains adequate.
“There is enough gas in the country. There is no shortage of domestic or commercial LPG. If complaints of black marketing are received, strict action will be taken,” he said.