New Delhi, March 14 (NationPress) Authorities in Lucknow initiated an extensive operation against the reported black marketing of cooking gas cylinders, conducting raids at 1,483 locations throughout the city and apprehending six individuals, as stated by officials on Saturday.

This initiative was executed by the Uttar Pradesh Food and Civil Supplies Department in collaboration with the district administration, aiming to address illegal hoarding and the black market trade of LPG cylinders amidst ongoing supply challenges.

As per an official announcement from the Government of Uttar Pradesh late Friday, these raids were performed concurrently in various parts of the city following allegations that certain traders and individuals were unlawfully storing and selling domestic LPG cylinders at inflated rates.

During these inspections, officials scrutinized warehouses, distribution centers, and suspicious storage sites to ensure that LPG cylinders designated for home use were not being rerouted to the black market. Authorities indicated that strict measures would be enforced against anyone breaching supply regulations.

"In conjunction with this operation, 24 FIRs were lodged against individuals suspected of illegal storage and black marketing of LPG cylinders," the statement revealed.

Officials highlighted that this crackdown is intended to shield consumers from exploitation while guaranteeing a steady supply of cooking gas to households. Furthermore, they have warned that additional inspections will be carried out in the upcoming days to thwart hoarding and illicit trading of LPG cylinders.

The administration has encouraged residents to report any suspicious activities regarding the sale or storage of LPG cylinders, enabling enforcement teams to respond promptly.

Similar enforcement initiatives have recently taken place in other regions. In Chhattisgarh, authorities seized 741 LPG cylinders from 102 locations during operations conducted by the state Food Department and district administrations to combat hoarding and black market activities.

In Mumbai, officials discovered illegal gas cylinder storage in the Worli area, where cylinders were reportedly being refilled and sold at inflated prices on the black market. Authorities confiscated several filled and empty cylinders along with a transport vehicle and initiated legal action in relation to the incident.

Officials nationwide assert that such operations are being intensified to combat illegal LPG trading and ensure that essential cooking gas supplies are delivered safely to consumers without interruption.