Mohana (Gajapati): In a major enforcement action amid an escalating LPG shortage, officials seized 51 cooking gas cylinders during a raid on a local distributor in Mohana on Thursday.
A five-member team from the Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Department, led by the Sub-Collector, conducted a surprise inspection at a LPG distribution agency near Mohana High School Chowk. During the raid, authorities seized a total of 51 HPCL LPG cylinders, including 27 filled and 24 empty ones.
Officials said the distributor failed to produce mandatory documents and did not possess a valid fire safety licence at the counter. It was also found that customers were not being issued bills after receiving gas cylinders. Citing these violations, the administration carried out the seizure and initiated further inquiry.
The Sub-Collector stated that appropriate action, including imposition of fines, will be taken against the agency following a detailed investigation.
The raid comes against the backdrop of a worsening LPG crisis in the region. Consumers alleged that home delivery services have virtually stopped, with dealers citing supply shortages. Many residents are being called to designated points to collect cylinders, leading to long queues and significant delays.
Despite prior bookings, several consumers reported returning empty-handed after waiting for hours. Daily wage earners, students, and working individuals said they are being forced to miss work to secure cooking gas.
Although the government had announced that eligible individuals could obtain 5-kg cylinders upon showing Aadhaar cards at dealer points or petrol pumps, residents complained that such cylinders are largely unavailable at petrol outlets.
Meanwhile, allegations of illegal gas trading have further aggravated public concerns, prompting intensified monitoring and enforcement by district authorities.
