Large-scale black marketing of gas in the state taking advantage of war-like situation

56 cases registered; 75,804 kilograms of LPG stock seized

Mumbai – Taking advantage of the war between Israel and the United States against Iran, large-scale black marketing of gas has taken place in Maharashtra. Over the past month, 56 cases have been registered in this regard, and 38 people have been arrested. As of 15 April, flying squads have seized 75,804 kilograms of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) that was being illegally traded. During this action, 4 vehicles and 27 tankers have also been confiscated. Officials from the state’s Food and Civil Supplies Department provided this information to the daily Sanatan Prabhat.

There is currently sufficient stock of petrol and diesel available at all petrol pumps and storage centres in the state, so supply will not be disrupted. Maharashtra has a total of 23 gas bottling plants, through which 2,224 distributors serve approximately 3.05 crore consumers. At present, the state has a total stock of about 32,000 metric tons of LPG. There is also an adequate supply of domestic cylinders, and they are being delivered to consumers’ homes. Customers are advised to register online instead of crowding registration centres. For commercial LPG users, about 60% of the supply is ongoing. Hospitals, institutions, and crematoriums are being given priority with 100% supply of Piped Natural Gas (PNG), according to officials.

Instructions to speed up PNG connections

Currently, Maharashtra has about 43 lakh PNG connections. Pending connections as of 27 March 2026 have been approved. Municipal corporations and other departments have been instructed to expedite the work of providing PNG connections. Distribution of kerosene supplied by the union government has started in some districts and will begin in the remaining districts soon. Citizens are urged not to panic or engage in unnecessary hoarding. The Maharashtra government and oil companies are ensuring regular and adequate supply of all petroleum products, the Food and Civil Supplies Department stated.