67,000 LPG cylinders seized in anti-black marketing drive since March
Synopsis
More than 67,000 LPG cylinders seized, 271 arrested, and 72 distributorships suspended — India's crackdown on cooking gas black marketing is one of its most sweeping in recent memory. The trigger: supply chain stress from the Strait of Hormuz closure, which has pushed the government into simultaneous enforcement and demand management mode.
Key Takeaways
Over 67,000 LPG cylinders seized in raids across India since March 2025 .
More than 1,160 FIRs registered and 271 persons arrested in the crackdown.
72 LPG distributorships suspended and penalties imposed on 316 distributorships .
Online LPG bookings at 99% ; authentication code-based deliveries at 94% to prevent diversion.
Over 42,800 PNG consumers have surrendered LPG connections via MyPNGD.in to ease demand pressure.
All refineries operating at high capacity ; no dry-outs reported at retail distributorships.
More than 67,000 LPG cylinders have been seized in raids across India to curb hoarding and black marketing of cooking gas since March 2025, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas said on Monday, 28 April. The crackdown comes amid supply chain disruptions linked to the ongoing Middle East conflict and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
Scale of the Crackdown
According to the ministry's update, over 1,160 FIRs have been registered and 271 persons arrested since the drive began. On Monday alone, more than 2,800 raids were conducted nationwide. Public sector oil companies have imposed penalties on 316 LPG distributorships and suspended 72 distributorships so far.
On Monday specifically, show cause notices were issued to 46 LPG distributors, penalties were imposed on six distributorships, and one distributor was placed under suspension. The ministry stated that strict action will continue against those attempting to exploit the supply situation.
Digital Safeguards to Prevent Diversion
To plug leakages at the distributor level, online domestic LPG cylinder bookings have risen to 99%, while authentication code-based deliveries — linked to the registered mobile number of the consumer — have climbed to around 94%. These measures are designed to prevent diversion of subsidised cylinders into the commercial or black market.
Additionally, over 42,800 PNG (Piped Natural Gas) consumers have surrendered their LPG connections through the MyPNGD.in website as of Monday, which the ministry said will help ease pressure on overall LPG demand.
Supply Situation and Refinery Operations
The ministry stated that cooking gas supply to domestic households has been prioritised and that no dry-outs have been reported at retail distributorships. All refineries are currently operating at high capacity with adequate crude inventories, and local LPG production from refineries has been increased to support domestic consumption.
Sufficient stocks of petrol and diesel are also being maintained, the ministry added, even as overall LPG supply remains affected by the geopolitical situation surrounding the Strait of Hormuz closure.
Advisory to Citizens
The ministry has urged citizens to avoid panic purchases of petrol, diesel, and LPG, and to rely on official sources for accurate information rather than rumours. LPG consumers have been specifically requested to use digital booking platforms and avoid visiting distributors in person to reduce crowding and potential for diversion.
With enforcement intensifying and digital safeguards tightening, the government's next steps will be closely watched as geopolitical pressures on energy supply chains show no immediate sign of easing.
Point of View
000 cylinders, 2,800 raids in a single day, 72 suspended distributorships — signals that LPG diversion is not a fringe problem but a structural one that intensifies every time supply tightens. The Strait of Hormuz closure has exposed how quickly India's subsidised cooking gas network becomes a target for arbitrage. The 99% digital booking rate is encouraging, but the gap between booking and authenticated delivery still leaves a 5-6% window for diversion. The real accountability question is whether suspended distributorships face permanent consequences or are quietly reinstated once the pressure eases.
NationPress
1 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How many LPG cylinders have been seized in India's anti-black marketing drive?
More than 67,000 LPG cylinders have been seized in raids conducted across India since March 2025, according to the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. The drive has also resulted in over 1,160 FIRs and 271 arrests.
Why is LPG supply under pressure in India right now?
LPG supply has been affected by geopolitical disruptions linked to the Middle East conflict and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global energy shipments. The government has prioritised domestic household supply and ramped up local refinery production to compensate.
What action has been taken against LPG distributors involved in black marketing?
As of 28 April 2025, 72 LPG distributorships have been suspended and penalties imposed on 316 distributorships. Show cause notices were issued to 46 distributors on Monday alone, with six penalised and one suspended that day.
How is the government preventing diversion of LPG cylinders?
Online domestic LPG bookings have reached 99%, and authentication code-based deliveries linked to the consumer's registered mobile number have risen to around 94%. These digital measures are designed to prevent cylinders from being diverted at the distributor level.
What should LPG consumers do during this period?
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has advised consumers to use digital booking platforms, avoid visiting distributors in person, refrain from panic purchases, and rely only on official sources for information. PNG consumers with LPG connections are encouraged to surrender the LPG connection via MyPNGD.in.
