Chennai: A Petroleum Ministry official said cooking gas (LPG) cylinders have been brought under the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA), paving the way for tougher action against hoarding and illegal sales.
The official explained that after a customer books a cylinder, delivery will be made only after 21 days. After one booking, the next booking can be placed only after 25 days.
He noted that some gas agencies can identify customers who have not purchased cylinders for several months. Such identities could be misused to place bookings in their name and divert cylinders to the black market at higher prices.
Officials said if cylinders are found being sold irregularly in shops outside the authorised agency network, they will be seized. Those involved in illegal sale or hoarding of LPG cylinders will face strict action, including imprisonment of up to seven years, the official added.
