LUDHIANA, March 13, 2026 — The Ludhiana Police Commissionerate has initiated a strict campaign against the illegal hoarding and black marketing of LPG cylinders following reports of a shortage in the industrial hub. Police Commissioner Swapan Sharma issued a directive to all Station House Officers (SHOs) to identify and penalize individuals exploiting residents through inflated pricing.
The Commissioner stated that all 28 police station heads are now required to monitor their jurisdictions for illegal godowns used to stockpile fuel. He declared that any shopkeeper or individual found holding cylinders for black market sales would face firm legal consequences. The move comes as panic buying has gripped parts of the city, leading to allegations of price gouging.
“All station heads have been asked to ensure that no hoarding takes place in their respective areas,” Sharma affirmed. He further maintained that the investigation would extend to gas agency staff to determine if internal officials are facilitating the diversion of stocks to the black market.
Sources noted that certain shopkeepers allegedly use personal connections with agency employees to procure bulk supplies illegally. Beyond hoarding, authorities asserted that some vendors are also suspected of engaging in the hazardous practice of unauthorized cylinder refilling. The police department maintained that previous operations have already resulted in the recovery of significant stocks and several arrests, a trend they intend to continue until the supply stabilizes.
