Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji
Panaji, Mar 16: Authorities in Goa have launched a crackdown on illegal LPG distribution after reports of cylinders being diverted to the black market amid rising demand triggered by tensions in West Asia.
Unlicensed distributors and private racketeers across the state’s three districts are allegedly diverting LPG cylinders to black market agents, with customers paying as much as Rs 2,000 per cylinder, far above the official price of about Rs 927 for a domestic cylinder.
The shortage, linked to disruptions caused by the ongoing conflict in West Asia, has significantly increased waiting periods for subsidised LPG cylinders, with consumers now facing delays of up to 25 days.
Anticipating supply shortages, residents have begun queuing outside gas agencies in Margao. Officials say the black market demand is particularly high among migrant workers who lack the documentation required to obtain LPG connections through official channels.
In Porvorim, a security guard from northern India claimed that cylinders are being sold for around Rs 2,000 in the informal market.
An LPG dealer from Salcete, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that some distributors divert a small portion of their allocated quota to informal storage facilities, enabling them to sell cylinders at inflated prices to customers without registered consumer accounts.
To curb profiteering, the Goa Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department has formed flying squads to monitor distribution and act against hoarding and illegal sales.
“We deployed six vehicles with teams to crack down on black marketing and hoarding of gas cylinders,” said Jayant Tari, director of civil supplies and consumer affairs.
He added that officers have been assigned to closely monitor orders and deliveries at LPG distribution centres, while flying squads have been instructed to respond promptly to complaints.
Residents are already feeling the impact of the shortage. A senior citizen from Calangute said his local dealer had offered him a cylinder for Rs 1,500, adding that he was unsure whether to accept the offer since he currently has only one cylinder at home.
The state government has acknowledged the supply constraints and launched a consumer helpline for reporting black marketing and hoarding. However, officials have not yet provided a clear timeline for when normal supply levels will be restored.
Tari urged citizens to report unfair trade practices related to LPG distribution to the respective taluka officers of the department. He added that assistant directors in each taluka have been authorised to take action on complaints related to hoarding and illegal sales of cylinders.