Acting on complaints from citizens about suspected hoarding of domestic liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders, officials from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), along with Pimpri-Chinchwad Police and Pune District administration, conducted a raid on a shop and its godown in Kasarwadi over alleged hoarding.
During the operation, authorities seized hundreds of LPG cylinders that were reportedly stored illegally amid the ongoing gas supply crisis triggered by tensions in West Asia.
According to officials, the raid was conducted at a private godown in the Kasarwadi area of Pimpri-Chinchwad after residents alerted authorities about illegal storage of domestic gas cylinders.
Preliminary investigation suggests that the premises were operating as an unauthorised storage facility.
Vijay Kumar Kshirsagar, circle officer, Pimpri-Chinchwad, said, “As per a complaint received from citizens, we visited the spot. The cylinders are being distributed by Bharat Gas Agency and Pimple Gas Agency. We first checked their shop and later the godown in the Kasarwadi area. The process of filing a case is going on. All the LPG cylinders have been seized.”
During the inspection, officials discovered that large numbers of LPG cylinders were stored inside two old vehicles parked within the godown, which were allegedly being used as makeshift storage units.
LPG Shortage: Authorities probe illegal storage and possible black-marketing
Police officers stated that one of the vehicles contained 29 filled LPG cylinders of 10 kg capacity, along with 19 empty cylinders of the same category and 207 empty domestic cylinders.
In the second vehicle, officials found 57 domestic LPG cylinders of 14.5 kg capacity.
All the cylinders have been seized and authorities have begun the process of registering a case against those responsible.
Officials said the cylinders were linked to Bharat Gas Agency and Pimple Gas Agency, and the distribution chain is currently being examined.
Authorities are now investigating whether the cylinders were being illegally stored for black-marketing or for refilling domestic cylinders into commercial ones, which is a punishable offence.
The raid comes at a time when Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad are facing restrictions in commercial LPG supply due to geopolitical tensions in West Asia, which have disrupted global energy supply chains.
Officials suspect that some operators may be hoarding domestic cylinders to create artificial scarcity and sell them at higher prices.
In view of the situation, the Pimpri-Chinchwad Police Commissionerate has intensified monitoring of LPG storage facilities and distribution points.
Police Commissioner Vinoy Kumar Choubey had recently warned of strict action against anyone involved in illegal transfer of LPG from domestic cylinders to commercial cylinders.
All the police stations and crime branch units have been directed to keep a close watch on such activities to prevent shortages for genuine domestic consumers.
LPG Shortage: Investigation underway
Officials confirmed that the godown’s authorisation status is being verified and further legal action will follow based on the findings. A panchnama process was underway at the site, and additional scrutiny of records and supply chains is expected in the coming days.
Police appeal to citizens
Authorities have urged citizens to report any suspicious activity related to LPG storage, illegal refilling, or black marketing.
Helpline numbers
Pimpri-Chinchwad Police Control Room
020-27352600
020-27352500
Mobile contact
9529691966
Emergency helpline
112
Citizens noticing illegal storage or sale of LPG cylinders are requested to immediately inform the police so that strict action can be taken against offenders.