Amidst growing concerns over LPG supply disruptions due to geopolitical tensions in West Asia, the Kolkata Police has launched a massive crackdown on black marketing and hoarding of cooking gas. Acting on the directives of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, the city police headquarters at Lalbazar has instructed all police stations to maintain high vigilance and take immediate legal action against anyone found selling cylinders at inflated prices.

Surprise Raids and Monitoring: Officers from the Enforcement Branch (EB) and local police units have begun conducting surprise inspections at gas godowns across the city. The primary focus is to verify stock levels and prevent the diversion of domestic LPG cylinders for commercial use. Authorities have warned that any individual or distributor found creating an artificial shortage to fleece common citizens will face non-bailable charges under the Essential Commodities Act.

Strict Guidelines for Consumers: To manage the sudden surge in demand, Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) have increased the mandatory gap between two bookings from 21 days to 25 days. The police have urged citizens not to engage in panic booking or believe in social media rumors regarding gas scarcity. Consumers are advised to ensure Delivery Authentication Code (DAC) verification for every refill and report any illegal demands for extra money to the police helpline. The administration has also set up a 24×7 control room at Nabanna to address grievances related to fuel availability.