Surat: The Supply Department conducted a surprise raid on Agarwal Gas Agency located in the Vadod area of Pandesara and seized a large number of commercial LPG cylinders, officials said. During the operation, the team recovered 35 filled and 205 empty commercial gas cylinders from the premises.

Officials said that as the raid began, the agency manager allegedly fled from the office. Following this, the administration immediately sealed the office and the godown and initiated further investigation.

Restrictions on commercial LPG refilling

According to officials, the action comes at a time when commercial LPG refilling has been restricted for the past 10 days due to supply constraints. Authorities said the global situation arising from tensions involving the United States, Israel, and Iran has affected LPG supply, leading to restrictions on imports in India.

To ensure adequate availability of domestic LPG for households, refilling of commercial cylinders has been temporarily curtailed, the department said.

Hoarding and black-marketing suspected

Since refilling of commercial cylinders has been officially restricted, the presence of such a large number of filled cylinders at the agency has raised suspicion. Supply Department officials suspect hoarding, illegal refilling, or black-marketing, and a detailed inquiry has been initiated.

Wider investigation ordered

Officials said inspections have also been carried out at 12 other commercial gas agencies in Surat, and all concerned officers have been directed to submit a report within 24 hours.

The Supply Officer of Valsad has also been instructed to verify whether the commercial LPG plant located at Sarigam in Valsad district is operational and whether any irregularities are linked to the seized cylinders.

Authorities said strict action will be taken against any agency found violating supply restrictions, adding that the crackdown aims to ensure uninterrupted supply of domestic LPG to the public. DeshGujarat