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Domestic LPG cylinders officially priced at around Rs. 990 are allegedly being diverted from gas agencies and sold in the black market for Rs. 2,400 to Rs. 2,500, leaving genuine consumers struggling to obtain timely supplies.
HYDERABAD, November 14 (Najaf Ali Shoukat-PMI): An alleged illegal LPG cylinder black-marketing racket is reportedly flourishing across Greater Hyderabad and its surrounding districts, with domestic cooking gas cylinders meant for registered consumers being diverted to traders and sold at exorbitant prices.
According to reports, domestic LPG cylinders weighing 14 kg, officially priced at around Rs. 990, are allegedly being sold in the black market for Rs. 2,400 to Rs. 2,500 or even higher. Traders reportedly procure cylinders directly from gas agencies at prices ranging between Rs. 1,500 and Rs. 2,000 before reselling them at nearly double the official price.
The alleged racket is operating across Hyderabad, Medchal-Malkajgiri and Ranga Reddy districts. It is claimed that some gas agencies are supplying cylinders to black-market traders using the same delivery vehicles employed for supplying registered domestic consumers.
As a result, genuine consumers are facing delays and difficulties in receiving their booked cylinders. In several cases, customers reportedly receive messages stating that cylinders are unavailable, while deliveries are allegedly diverted to illegal traders. Consumers in some areas are said to be waiting for more than 10 days even after booking their refills.
Migrant Workers Become Easy Targets
The suburbs of Hyderabad have emerged as major markets for illegally diverted LPG cylinders. With extensive construction activity attracting migrant labourers and casual workers, demand for cooking gas has increased. Many workers do not have domestic LPG connections, making them dependent on private suppliers and vulnerable to exploitation.
Reports further suggest that the recent gas supply concerns amid tensions in West Asia have created opportunities for unscrupulous traders to exploit the situation by charging excessive prices.
Civil Supplies Department Under Scrutiny
Questions are being raised over the alleged failure of Civil Supplies officials in Hyderabad, Medchal-Malkajgiri and Ranga Reddy districts to conduct effective inspections and prevent the diversion of domestic LPG cylinders.
There are also allegations of a possible nexus between certain agencies and officials, including claims of regular illegal payments. However, these allegations require an independent investigation and official verification.
Residents are demanding immediate intervention by the Civil Supplies Department, surprise inspections of LPG agencies, strict action against those involved in black marketing and measures to ensure that domestic cylinders reach genuine consumers without unnecessary delays.
The public has urged the authorities to investigate the alleged racket, regulate distribution and bring an end to the exploitation of consumers through the sale of essential cooking gas at inflated prices. (pressmediaofindia.com)
