Authorities in Karnataka have seized 316 domestic LPG cylinders allegedly being used for commercial purposes and registered cases against those involved, the state Food and Civil Supplies Department said on Saturday.
The seizures were carried out across multiple locations following instructions from state minister K H Muniyappa to take strict legal action against the misuse of subsidised domestic gas cylinders for commercial activities.
According to a departmental statement, cases have been registered under the Essential Commodities Act. The enforcement drive led to the seizure of 45 cylinders in Peenya and 209 in Chikkajala in Bengaluru, three in Shivamogga district, 46 in Davanagere, and 13 in Yadgir district.
Officials also registered a separate case against a gas agency in Kolar district’s Kolar Gold Fields (KGF) for allegedly carrying out illegal refilling of LPG cylinders.
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The department said the action was part of a statewide crackdown to prevent the diversion of domestic LPG cylinders, which are subsidised and meant for household use, into commercial establishments.
Referring to guidelines issued by the Government of India, officials said that 20 per cent of commercial LPG cylinders are prioritised for supply to essential services such as hospitals, schools, educational institutions, airports, railway stations, bus stands, canteens, major temples distributing prasad, government offices, old-age homes and key private sector establishments.
Meanwhile, the department said LPG supply remains stable across the state. A total of 3,86,363 domestic cylinders (14.2 kg) and 6,371 commercial cylinders were distributed across Karnataka on Saturday.
Authorities added that measures have been put in place to ensure there is no disruption in the supply of domestic LPG cylinders to households.
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