Authorities in Patiala have seized nearly 200 domestic liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders from commercial establishments after conducting targeted raids across the district. The actions were taken amid mounting concerns that domestic LPG connections were being misused or held under fraudulent names, leading to artificial shortages and black‑market sales.
The crackdown was carried out by the Food and Civil Supplies Department following complaints about hoarding and unlawful distribution of subsidised domestic cylinders. Officials said the seizures occurred in multiple towns including Patiala, Nabha, Rajpura, Samana, Devigarh and Patran.
“Ghost consumers” under investigation
Preliminary investigations suggest that many LPG connections linked to the seized cylinders were issued to so‑called “ghost consumers,” meaning the names on these accounts may belong to non‑existent persons, deceased individuals, or people who have moved out of the area. In some cases, cylinders appear to have been filled under false identities using fake documents such as forged Aadhaar cards.
Officials have written to the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas to seek verification of suspect LPG consumer records. The move indicates that the department aims to crack down on fraudulent connections at both local and national levels.
Possible vendor involvement
Authorities have not ruled out the involvement of gas agency vendors or operators in the suspected racket. A food inspector who participated in the raids noted that some commercial establishments found with domestic cylinders claimed to have purchased the subsidised fuel from private vendors rather than through official distribution channels.
This practice, if confirmed, could point to collusion between illegal sellers and intermediaries who profit by diverting domestic cylinders to businesses or black‑market buyers in contravention of regulations.
Complaints of hoarding and black-market sales
Residents in Patiala and surrounding areas have alleged that domestic LPG cylinders have been sold on the black market at significantly inflated prices, ranging from ₹2,000 to ₹2,500 per cylinder. By comparison, commercial LPG cylinders reportedly fetch even higher prices, between about ₹3,000 and ₹4,000 due to scarcity.
The alleged black‑market activities have compounded supply pressures, leaving households and small commercial kitchens struggling to secure regular fuel supplies. Many businesses, including cloud kitchens and eateries, reported shifting to alternative cooking methods like induction cookers and hot plates as uncertainty in LPG availability persists.
Officials respond to LPG concerns
District Food and Civil Supplies Controller Dr Ravinder Kaur said that stocks at authorised gas agencies were checked following the detection of irregular connections, and noted that, at present, LPG supply in the district was considered adequate. However, the department is continuing to investigate the matter to prevent future misuse and ensure that domestic cylinders reach legitimate consumers.
Authorities have also urged residents to report any suspected misuse of LPG cylinders to local officials to help curb illegal distribution and protect supply equity.
Wider context of LPG supply issues
LPG supply has been under strain in several parts of India due to ongoing global and domestic pressures, leading to reports of shortages and long waiting lists for refills in many regions. This situation has, in some cases, encouraged unlawful practices that divert subsidised domestic fuel from households to commercial or black‑market channels.
The Patiala seizures underscore the challenges faced by regulators and enforcement agencies in maintaining fair distribution while ensuring consumer safety and compliance.