Amid escalating concerns regarding fuel supply in light of the ongoing Gulf crisis, discrepancies between official statements and the actual situation on the ground are increasingly evident in New Delhi, India’s capital. Despite authorities insisting there is an ample supply of LPG, an undercover investigation by India Today has uncovered a thriving black market where gas cylinders are being sold at exorbitant prices, often in plain view.
The investigative operation has exposed the hoarding, illegal trading, and diversion of LPG cylinders meant for legitimate consumers across various locations in Delhi.
OPERATION UNVEILS BLACK MARKET NEAR ALIPUR POLICE STATION
Acting on a tip, the India Today Special Investigation Team visited a store near the Alipur Police Station in Outer Delhi, where reports suggested that LPG cylinders were being hoarded and illicitly sold.
Upon entering the shop, the team engaged with an individual named Ankit to inquire about purchasing a gas cylinder. Ankit promptly asked if the reporters possessed an empty cylinder and then proceeded to quote a price of Rs 4,300.
This price is nearly five times the official rate of a domestic LPG cylinder, which currently stands at Rs 913 in Delhi. When questioned about negotiation possibilities, Ankit firmly stated that Rs 4,300 was the prevailing price in the black market, reflecting his own procurement costs. He affirmed that this rate was standard in the illicit market.
RISING PRICES AND OPEN TRANSACTIONS
To validate the operation, the reporters, equipped with an empty cylinder, attempted to make a purchase. At the same location, they witnessed a laborer paying Rs 4,300 in cash for a cylinder, underscoring how even economically disadvantaged individuals are compelled to pay inflated prices.
Given that the reporters possessed an Indane cylinder while Ankit dealt in cylinders from another provider, he demanded an additional Rs 200 for the exchange, escalating the total cost to Rs 4,500.
Despite the illegal nature of the transaction, Ankit meticulously weighed the cylinder before handover, creating an illusion of legitimacy. Payment was transacted via UPI, further highlighting the brazen conduct of such transactions.
Upon inquiring about future cylinder availability, Ankit readily agreed, indicating a consistent and structured supply chain supporting the operation.
A WIDESPREAD NETWORK BEYOND ONE SITE
The investigation then shifted to the Cake Chowk area, where another individual named Sitaram was facilitating similar transactions. When asked for two cylinders, Sitaram quoted a price of Rs 4,000 per cylinder. Without delay, he contacted an individual named Sanjay to arrange the supply, demonstrating a connected network of suppliers.
During the communication, Sitaram assured that Indane cylinders would be provided with a guarantee of delivery within 15 to 30 minutes. He directed the reporters to meet near the local drain in Swaroop Nagar for cylinder collection.