Rourkela: In the wake of reported LPG supply crunch linked to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, authorities in Rourkela have seized 161 cooking gas cylinders from a locked car garage, suspecting hoarding and black marketing.
The raid was conducted near Lugun Park in Sector 9 by a team from the Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Department, led by Civil Supplies Officer Nihar Ranjan Mohapatra, following specific inputs from local residents. Officials said the cylinders were discovered inside a locked garage, which had to be forcibly opened to access the stockpile.
While the cylinders have been seized, authorities are yet to ascertain the identity of the individual or entity responsible for storing them. The recovery assumes significance as several hotels and restaurants across the city are reportedly grappling with an acute shortage of cooking gas.
Sources alleged that some unscrupulous traders have been exploiting the situation by selling LPG cylinders at prices up to three times the government-fixed rate. Officials suspect that the seized stock may have been intended for such illegal profiteering amid the ongoing supply disruption.
An investigation has been initiated to trace the origin of the cylinders and identify the network involved in their procurement and storage. Authorities have indicated that stringent action will be taken against those found engaged in hoarding, black marketing, or violation of essential commodities regulations.
