UP police uncover illegal storage of domestic gas cylinders in Hapur

In a recent enforcement action in Uttar Pradesh’s Hapur district, the state police carried out a late‑night raid at a private residence and seized a significant stock of domestic liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders, officials said. The operation on the night of March 11 resulted in the recovery of 18 filled and 14 empty cylinders, raising questions about unregulated storage and non‑compliant sale of cooking gas supplies in the district.

According to police and local supply officials, the raid was initiated after information was received about a large number of cylinders being kept at the location without proper authorisation. During questioning, the individual from whose home the cylinders were seized admitted to purchasing filled cylinders from various authorised dealers and reselling them to local consumers at a margin of Rs 20–30 per cylinder, reportedly as a way to earn additional income.

Authorities noted that storing and dealing in LPG outside of regulated channels can pose safety hazards, as well as contravene existing rules under the Liquefied Petroleum Gas (Regulation of Supply and Distribution) Order, 2000 and the Essential Commodities Act, 1955. Police said the activity also violated the terms of the relevant sections of the laws governing the distribution and supply of LPG, which are designed to ensure safety and fair access for consumers.

Following the seizure, the accused was taken into custody and an FIR was registered by police under the appropriate sections of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita based on a written complaint from a supply inspector. Local officials also said district teams are engaged in regular patrols and checks to deter hoarding or illegal stockpiling of cylinders.

District supply officer Seema Baliyan stated that all the cylinders found were confiscated and that there is no reported shortage of LPG, petrol, or diesel in the region. The officer highlighted that registered domestic customers can continue to book and receive cylinders through their regular gas agencies.

The case underscores ongoing efforts by authorities to enforce regulations around the sale and storage of LPG, a subsidised and widely used domestic cooking fuel in India. Illegal storage can not only disrupt supply chains but also endanger public safety due to the volatile nature of LPG, which requires strict handling standards.