Koppal raid uncovers illegal LPG storage amid supply crunch

Koppal: Officials of the food and civil supplies department seized eight filled commercial LPG cylinders (19 kg each) from the residence of Vinod Chopra in Koppal, uncovering what they suspect is illegal storage and sale at inflated prices.

Based on a complaint filed by food inspector Basavaraj Chinnur, a case was registered at Koppal Town police station on June 3.

The seizure comes amid complaints of an artificial shortage of LPG cylinders in the city. Traders and commercial establishments have struggled to obtain regular supplies for several months, with many unable to secure new connections or receive authorised cylinders on time.

The shortage has hit the hotel sector particularly hard, forcing some operators to revert to traditional wood-fired stoves. Street food vendors and other small food businesses have also been affected.

Chinnur said instances of illegal storage have continued during the supply crunch, raising concerns over availability for genuine consumers. He added that inspections and raids have been intensified.

Earlier in March, the department inspected six hotels in the district headquarters and found domestic LPG cylinders being used for commercial purposes, leading to cases being registered.