LPG Shortage | In Black Market, LPG Cylinder Selling For Rs 6,500 Refill For Rs 4,000: NDTV Sting Op

Cooking gas cylinders have become a hot commodity on the back of an unusual surge in demand amid a widening Middle East conflict triggered by US-Israel strike on Iran last month. Reports of these cylinders being stolen, hoarded, sold on the black market are on the rise. NDTV sting operations have exposed black marketeers selling cylinders at steep prices - with rates going up to Rs 6,500 for a gas cylinder and Rs 3,500-Rs 4,000 to refill a 14-kg cylinder, which earlier cost Rs 900-Rs 1,000. The diversion of sale of LPG outside authorised channels is illegal under the Liquefied Petroleum Gas Regulation Order and the Essential Commodities Act. Despite increased police vigil forcing many black marketeers to shut shop publicly, several continue to operate secretly.