Bhubaneswar: At least 62 empty LPG cylinders were seized by the Civil Supplies Enforcement Squad from Shampur area under Bharatpur police limits in Bhubaneswar.
During inspection, 51 cylinders of 14.2 kg in weight, six cylinders of 2 kg weight and five cylinders of 5 kg in weight, were recovered.
This illegal
hoarding of gas cylinders were found inside an empty house, during an eviction drive led by Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) in the area on Friday. The seizure was carried out in the presence of Commissionerate Police personnel and BDA officials. Efforts are on to apprehend the persons involved in storing the gas cylinders at a residential area, since no claimants were found. Authorities stated that appropriate legal action will be initiated.
Illegal hoarding and black marketing of LPG cylinders has increased over perceived shortage due to tensions in West Asia and blockade in Strait of Hormuz, a key route for import. Around 100 gas cylinders were seized from a wood depot in Samanatarapur area on April 8.