Mumbai, April 11 (NationPress) In a significant operation targeting the illicit trade of essential commodities in Mumbai, the Rationing Department has dismantled a scheme involving the unlawful storage and distribution of LPG cylinders, as reported by officials on Saturday. A total of 451 LPG cylinders were confiscated.

The operation took place in the Wadi Bunder area of Dongri, where goods valued at over Rs 40 lakh were seized, alongside the interception of eight vehicles, according to the authorities.

This crackdown was prompted by confidential intelligence gathered by the Controller of Rationing and the Director of Civil Supplies. Recognizing the seriousness of the issue, immediate special directives were issued, leading to a coordinated action by the department's Flying Squad.

During the raid near the Wadi Bunder Bridge in Dongri, officials halted eight vehicles that were illegally transporting gas cylinders. An inspection revealed a total of 451 LPG cylinders.

The estimated total value of the confiscated cylinders and vehicles is approximately Rs 40.61 lakh. Officials indicated that these cylinders lacked valid documentation and were intended for black market operations.

The Mumbai Police have initiated a case related to this incident and are conducting an investigation.

In a press briefing on Friday, the Petroleum Ministry reassured that domestic LPG cylinder deliveries are proceeding as usual, with no shortages reported at LPG distributorships, despite ongoing geopolitical tensions affecting supply.

Currently, 4.05 lakh PNG connections have been activated, and around 4.41 lakh additional customers have applied for new connections.

Consumers are encouraged to consider alternative fuels such as PNG and electric cooktops. During this time, all citizens are urged to conserve energy.

It is advised that citizens refrain from panic buying of petrol, diesel, and LPG and to consult only official sources for information. LPG consumers are encouraged to utilize digital booking platforms and minimize visits to physical distributors.

Online bookings for LPG have surged to about 98 percent, with deliveries authenticated by a Delivery Authentication Code (DAC) reaching around 92 percent to prevent diversion at the distributor level.

Despite the current geopolitical challenges, the government has ensured priority for domestic LPG and PNG supplies, especially for hospitals and educational institutions.

Enforcement actions are ongoing nationwide to combat hoarding and black marketing of LPG. On Thursday alone, over 3,800 raids were executed, resulting in the seizure of nearly 450 cylinders across the country.

To date, approximately 1.2 lakh raids have been carried out, leading to the confiscation of more than 57,000 cylinders, over 950 FIRs registered, and 229 arrests.

Public sector Oil Marketing Companies have intensified surprise inspections, issuing over 2,100 show-cause notices, imposing penalties on 204 LPG distributorships, and suspending 53 distributorships.

More than 18,000 PNG consumers have voluntarily surrendered their LPG connections via the MYPNGD.in website.

States have also been directed to facilitate new PNG connections for both residential and commercial users.

All refineries are functioning at optimal capacity, with sufficient crude stocks. The nation is also maintaining adequate reserves of petrol and diesel. Domestic LPG production from refineries has been ramped up to meet national consumption demands, as stated.