Bhopal's Gandhi Nagar: Black Market for LPG Cylinders Exposed
Synopsis
Amidst the ongoing crisis in West Asia affecting LPG supplies, Bhopal faces rampant black marketing of cooking gas. Discover how local residents uncovered illegal activities in Gandhi Nagar, leading to swift actions by authorities.
Key Takeaways
Black marketing of LPG cylinders is escalating in Bhopal amidst supply shortages.
Local residents uncovered illegal activities, leading to swift administrative action.
Authorities recovered 18 cylinders stored illegally in a bathroom.
Prices for black market LPG cylinders range from Rs 2,500 to Rs 3,000 .
The Madhya Pradesh government is actively monitoring and taking action against illegal supply.
Bhopal, March 12 (NationPress) With the escalating worries regarding the shortage and limited supply of LPG cylinders stemming from the conflict in West Asia, the issue of black marketing of cooking gas is surging in Madhya Pradesh. This is occurring even as the authorities issue directives aimed at curbing illegal distributions.
A recent instance of illegal refilling and black market activity involving LPG cylinders was uncovered by local community members in the Gandhi Nagar locality of Bhopal. Following this, the district administration swiftly intervened.
Upon receiving a tip-off, a team from the Food and Civil Supply and Revenue Department of the Bhopal district administration executed a thorough search, leading to the seizure of approximately 18 LPG cylinders stored in a bathroom of a residence in Gandhi Nagar.
Chandrabhan Singh Jadon, a representative of the Food and Civil Supply Department in Madhya Pradesh, confirmed that they received intelligence about the black marketing and storage of LPG cylinders, prompting the search operation.
“During the search, we found 18 LPG cylinders stashed in a bathroom today. A legal case has been initiated, and further actions will be determined based on the investigation's findings,” Jadon informed IANS.
He added that the Food and Civil Supply Department, in collaboration with other agencies, is diligently monitoring the situation and responding rapidly to public reports.
Reports suggest that individuals engaged in black marketing are imposing exorbitant prices for domestic LPG cylinders, ranging from Rs 2,500 to Rs 3,000 in Bhopal.
The Madhya Pradesh government has instructed all district collectors to oversee the arrangements for LPG supply and to prevent hoarding or black marketing. Following directives from the central government, oil companies have ceased supplies to commercial entities such as hotels, malls, and industries that utilize bulk LPG, with exceptions made for hospitals and educational institutions.
The refill booking window for domestic cylinders has also been extended to 25 days from the delivery date of the previous cylinder. Despite the state government assuring an adequate stock, shortages have been reported across Madhya Pradesh in recent days.
Point of View
But sustained vigilance and community cooperation are essential for effective enforcement.
NationPress
11 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the black marketing of LPG cylinders in Bhopal?
The ongoing conflict in West Asia has led to a shortage and limited supply of LPG cylinders, prompting illegal activities.
How many LPG cylinders were recovered during the operation?
Authorities recovered 18 LPG cylinders that were illegally stored in a bathroom.
What are the prices for black market LPG cylinders in Bhopal?
Individuals involved in black marketing are charging between Rs 2,500 to Rs 3,000 for domestic LPG cylinders.
What measures is the government taking against black marketing?
The Madhya Pradesh government has instructed district collectors to oversee LPG supply and prevent hoarding or black marketing.
How long has the refill booking period for domestic cylinders been extended?
The refill booking period has been extended to 25 days from the delivery date of the previous cylinder.
