Lucknow, March 16 The Uttar Pradesh government has stepped up enforcement against the black market and illegal sale of LPG cylinders across the state, following directions from Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, officials said on Monday.
As part of the statewide crackdown, enforcement agencies have conducted 4,816 inspections and raids since March 12, an official statement issued here said, adding that 10 FIRs have been registered against LPG distributors, while 60 FIRs have been lodged against other individuals allegedly involved in the black marketing of gas cylinders.
Ten individuals have been arrested so far, and prosecution proceedings have been initiated against 67 people, the officials said.
The state government has also increased monitoring of 4,108 LPG distributors to ensure that consumers receive cylinders according to their bookings.
Authorities are conducting regular reviews of stock positions and keeping a close watch on the availability of refills, they added.
Officials also said that special vigilance is being maintained following the Centre's decision to allow the allocation of up to 20 per cent of total consumption for commercial cylinders.
To address issues related to the distribution of petroleum products, a control room has been set up at the office of the food commissioner, with officers from the food and civil supplies department deployed throughout the day and night.
Control rooms have also been established at the district level, while district supply officers and local administrative officials are conducting regular field visits to monitor the situation and ensure uninterrupted LPG supply to consumers, the statement said.