- Authorities raided a Domino’s outlet in Thane and seized 140 illegally stored gas cylinders.
- The crackdown followed intelligence on black marketing amid LPG supply concerns linked to global tensions.
- India’s heavy dependence on LPG imports has intensified fears of shortages and hoa
In a crackdown on black marketing and hoarding of LPG cylinders, the Rationing Department's flying squad conducted a raid on a Domino's Pizza outlet in Thane, leading to the recovery of 140 illegally stocked gas cylinders worth approximately Rs 4.59 lakh, police said on Wednesday. One person has been arrested in this connection, as per media reports.
The raid was initiated following specific intelligence regarding the unauthorised storage of commercial and domestic gas cylinders. Upon inspecting the premises, officials discovered a vast stockpile hidden in the outlet's basement. The seized stock included cylinders belonging to major public sector oil marketing companies, including HPCL (Hindustan Petroleum), BPCL (Bharat Petroleum), and IOC (Indian Oil Corporation), NDTV reported.
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Geopolitical Tensions Fuel Supply Concerns
Ongoing tensions in the Middle East have impacted LPG supply across India, triggering concerns over hoarding and black marketing.
The scarcity of cooking gas has triggered stockpiling across the country. While some officials initially cited slight concerns and urged citizens against panic buying, reports indicate prioritisation of domestic supply over commercial units to prevent widespread residential shortages.
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The Import Dependency Challenge
India is the world's second-largest importer of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG). With domestic production unable to keep pace with soaring demand, the country imports approximately 60% of its total LPG requirements.
In 2025 alone, India shipped in roughly 22 million metric tonnes of LPG at a cost of nearly $12 billion, as per reports.
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