Kolkata, March 12 (NationPress) The Kolkata Police have intensified their surveillance efforts throughout the city to combat the black marketing of cooking gas, prompted by worries of potential supply disruptions stemming from rising tensions in West Asia, as noted by a senior police official on Thursday.

Every police station in Kolkata has been directed to exercise heightened vigilance and oversee the movement and distribution of LPG cylinders. Additionally, the police have opted for alternative cooking methods, including the use of induction cookers and microwave ovens in their barracks, to prepare for any possible shortage of commercial cooking gas.

This initiative from the city police headquarters at Lalbazar was undertaken shortly after Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee convened an emergency meeting with LPG suppliers to assess the state's supply situation.

During the meeting, CM Banerjee instructed LPG dealers to formulate a standard operating procedure (SOP) outlining their available LPG inventory and ensuring that no black marketing activities occur.

Officials from the police have emphasized the importance of preventing the hoarding and illegal sale of cooking gas to avert a crisis in Kolkata. Deputy Commissioners (DCs) across all divisions have been tasked with closely monitoring the situation and ensuring that police stations within their areas maintain rigorous oversight.

Members of the Enforcement Branch of Kolkata Police have also been assigned to scrutinize the supply chain. Special focus is being directed towards gas cylinder storage facilities across the city, where police teams are verifying stock levels and inspecting records.

The police are vigilant to ensure that LPG cylinders are not diverted beyond authorized customer orders or sold at inflated rates. Authorities are also monitoring whether domestic LPG cylinders are being improperly utilized for commercial activities.

Officials have cautioned that severe penalties will be enforced against anyone found guilty of illegally storing or trading in LPG cylinders.

In previous instances, police have dismantled multiple gangs involved in siphoning gas from domestic cylinders and refilling smaller containers for illicit sale or use in transportation. Law enforcement has assured that they are keeping a close eye on such operations.

Moreover, police barracks are being monitored and instructed to implement alternative cooking methods when necessary to lessen their reliance on LPG.

Concerns regarding supply disruptions have intensified due to escalating tensions in West Asia.