Major Crackdown on Illegal LPG Refilling in Jaipur Amid Gas Crisis
Significant Action Against Gas Black Market
Jaipur, March 17, 2026: A significant explosion in Jaipur amidst the LPG gas crisis has led to a major operation by the district administration, police CST team, and the District Supply Office (DSO) against illegal gas refilling and black marketing. Authorities conducted simultaneous raids at four locations, seizing a total of 171 domestic and commercial LPG cylinders and arresting three suspects. This operation represents a strong blow to the gas mafia, raising hopes for the public facing a shortage of domestic gas.
Details of the Operation: Under the directives of the district collector, the largest raid occurred in the Kalyan Ka Bas area of Sai Vatika Extension Colony in the Daulatpura police station jurisdiction. Here, 115 cylinders (38 filled and 77 empty) were confiscated from an illegal warehouse, along with a pickup truck and ₹32,550 in cash. The suspects Budharam Meena, Bhagwan Singh, and Naresh Gurjar were apprehended on-site for their involvement in illegal refilling and black marketing, where they extracted gas from domestic cylinders and filled commercial ones to sell at inflated prices.
Further Crackdowns at Other Locations:
- 20 cylinders, two electric motors, and two scales were seized from Brahmpuri, Amer Road.
- 23 cylinders were confiscated from Shyam and Goyenka General Store located at Gopalpura Bypass.
- 13 commercial cylinders were seized from Vishnu Mishtaan Bhandar at Imli Phatak.
In total, 171 cylinders were seized, including both domestic and commercial types. These cylinders were being illegally supplied to hotels, dhabas, restaurants, and other commercial establishments, while the general public struggled to obtain gas.
DSO Priyavrat Charan stated, "This black marketing during a gas shortage is a betrayal of the public. We acted on confidential information. FIRs are being filed at all locations, and further investigations may lead to more arrests." The administration has declared a zero-tolerance policy towards gas theft and illegal refilling. The state government has canceled all officials' leaves and ordered them to take action.
Reasons Behind the Gas Crisis: The global supply chain has been affected due to tensions between Iran, Israel, and the USA. Complaints of hoarding and black marketing have surfaced in various parts of India. In Jaipur, residents have been lining up outside agencies, while the mafia has been selling domestic cylinders for ₹2500-3000. This crackdown is expected to provide relief to the common man by increasing the availability of domestic gas and curbing black marketing.
Message from the Administration: The district administration has urged citizens to report any illegal gas refilling or black marketing activities. Rewards will be given for confidential information. Additionally, the public is advised not to panic and hoard, as supply is increasing.
This is indeed good news! The exposure of black marketing during the gas crisis marks a significant victory for the residents of Jaipur.