Following the gas crisis triggered by the Iran-US war, Maharashtra Food and Civil Supplies Minister Chhagan Bhujbal on Monday informed the state Legislative Council that authorities have seized 1,208 LPG cylinders during a statewide crackdown on illegal activities. According to statistics shared by the minister, 23 cases have been registered, and goods worth Rs 33.66 lakh have been confiscated. So far, police have arrested 18 people in connection with the cases.

Bhujbal was responding to queries raised by members of the Legislative Council regarding people standing in long queues for hours, allegations of black marketing of cylinders, and reports that several hotels, households and educational institutions are facing shortages or have been forced to shut their eateries due to the non-availability of LPG cylinders.