The escalating conflict between US,Iran and Israel has resulted in the closure of Strait of Hormuz, directly impacting nation's oil and gas supplies. As people faces unavailabilty instances of hoarding and black-marketing specifically of LPG have surged.

In a major breakthrough, the Hyderabad police has seized 414 LPG cylinders hidden inside local graveyard, exposing major black-marketing operation. Ten individuals were arrested in raid and the involved distributor has been suspended as part of a wider government crackdown on hoarding, told  Sujata Sharma, a senior official in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas in a regular briefing.

Nationwide Enforcement Drive

With imports heavily affected, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has shifted its focus to preventing artificial scarcity. Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary of the Ministry, stated that 60 per cent of total imports have been impacted, prompting aggressive enforcement across the country.

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Recent Action Highlights:

2,600 raids were conducted nationwide on Wednesday alone. "Just yesterday, around 2,600 raids were carried out and about 700 cylinders were seized," Sujata Sharma, told a regular briefing on the Middle East crisis.

Authorities in Hyderabad confirmed the graveyard bust was a key part of this campaign, as hoarders were found selling cylinders at significantly inflated prices.

The government continues to monitor the situation daily, emphasising that strict action will be taken against any distributors or individuals found exploiting the shipping crisis for illegal profit.

Global Conflict Hits Local Supply

India is world's second largest LPG importer and relies on overseas market for upto 60 per cent of its requirement, with the vast majority passing through the Strait of Hormuz.

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According to the Ministry of Shipping, the 35-day-old conflict has stalled critical logistics:

- 18 Indian cargo vessels are currently stranded in the Strait of Hormuz.

- These include 6 large LPG tankers, leading to a direct drop in domestic supply.

With Reuters Inputs