Two Arrested In Chennai For Hoarding LPG Cylinders, Officials Say No Need To Panic Buy

Last Updated:March 13, 2026, 10:48 IST

Two arrested in Madurai for hoarding 398 LPG cylinders for black marketing. Tamil Nadu Petroleum Dealers' Association assured sufficient fuel stocks.

Amid countrywide LPG crisis, two persons arrested and detained under the Goondas Act in Madurai for allegedly hoarding 398 LPG cylinders intended for black market sales. This marks the first instance of such stringent action against cylinder hoarding in Tamil Nadu, according to police reports on Friday.

The Tamil Nadu Petroleum Dealers’ Association also addressed the rising concerns over fuel shortages and urged the public not to engage in panic buying of petrol or diesel. The association assured that the 14 terminals across the state have sufficient stock to supply over 7,000 retail outlets as per demand.

The arrests in Madurai followed a tip-off to the Civil Supplies Criminal Investigation Department (CS-CID) about the illegal diversion of subsidised domestic gas cylinders for commercial purposes. Acting on this information, a special team raided an open plot near Palani’s residence in Kovilpappakudi, seizing 100 subsidised domestic cylinders and 109 commercial cylinders.

Another raid at the house of 27-year-old Madan Kumar in Anandam Nagar resulted in the recovery of 189 cylinders, including 63 domestic and 126 commercial units.

A senior official stated that both suspects have been charged under the Essential Commodities Act and subsequently detained under the Prevention of Black Marketing and Maintenance of Supplies of Essential Commodities Act, commonly referred to as the Goondas Act, by Madurai District Collector Praveen Kumar. The CS-CID Madurai zone has issued a stern warning that hoarding essential commodities will result in severe legal consequences.

The crackdown comes amid growing concerns over a perceived fuel and gas shortage in the region. K P Murali, President of the Tamil Nadu Petroleum Dealers’ Association, assured the public that there is no need for panic buying, as the state currently holds enough petrol and diesel stocks to last at least three weeks. He emphasised that panic buying would only create an artificial shortage.

“There is no need for the public to fear a shortage. All dealers have adequate stock and are continuously receiving supplies from oil companies. Panic buying will only create an artificial shortage that benefits no one," Murali told PTI.

“Dealers usually have three days’ stock with them. And they buy from these terminals as and when they need. This is happening as usual. So, there is no need to panic," Murali added.

“More than 7,000 dealers are associated with our organisation and they all have access to terminals to replenish their stock as per demand," Murali said.

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