Officials from the Legal Metrology Department in Karnataka have seized 316 domestic LPG cylinders during raids conducted across several districts for illegal commercial use and suspected black-marketing.
The crackdown followed multiple complaints that domestic LPG cylinders meant for households were being illegally supplied to hotels and commercial establishments.
Raids across Bengaluru and other districts
According to officials, a coordinated operation was launched after intelligence inputs about the misuse of domestic cylinders.
During the raids, 254 domestic LPG cylinders were seized from hotels in Bengaluru’s Peenya and Chikkajala areas.
In addition to the Bengaluru seizures, officials also confiscated:
- 3 cylinders in Shivamogga
- 46 cylinders in Yadgir
- 13 cylinders in Davanagere
Authorities said cases have been registered against the concerned hotel owners under provisions of the Essential Commodities Act.
Illegal refilling operation uncovered
In a separate operation in Kolar district, officials raided an LPG distribution agency in KGF, where they allegedly uncovered an illegal gas refilling operation.
According to the department, domestic cylinders were being illegally refilled into commercial cylinders, which is prohibited under existing regulations.
A formal case has been registered against those involved, and further investigation is underway.
Complaints over LPG supply delays
Meanwhile, the Food Department has received over 100 complaints from consumers across the state regarding delays in domestic LPG supply.
Several customers reported that invoices were not generated even five to six days after booking a cylinder, and distributors cited pending billing processes.
Despite these complaints, officials clarified that there is no shortage of domestic LPG cylinders in the state.
According to official data, 3.86 lakh domestic LPG cylinders and 6,371 commercial cylinders were distributed across Karnataka on Saturday alone.
Authorities stated that monitoring measures are in place to prevent supply disruptions and ensure cylinders meant for households are not diverted for commercial use.