Growing unsafe black market of LPG raises safety concerns in Chandigarh
Vendors allege adulterated LPG being sold on the black market; water added to gas to maintain weight
Despite official assurances that fuel supplies remain stable, a growing LPG shortage is gripping Chandigarh, leaving local vendors in Sector 22 and 35 struggling to keep their kitchens running. The ground reality tells a different story of desperation, black marketing and LPG adulteration.
Business owners are forced to pay nearly double the rate to secure cylinders through unofficial channels. This problem affects both 14kg domestic and 19kg commercial cylinders. However, paying a premium does not guarantee quality. Many restaurants are now reporting a “water-mixing” scam. Adulterated LPG are being sold on the black market where water is added to the gas to maintain weight.
Rahman, from the famous Shama Biryani in Sector 22, said: “We aren’t able to get cylinders, not able to make the usual amount of food. The cylinders we do get after paying double the price have water in them. These die fast.”
Small tea stall vendors across these sectors have echoed similar complaints: “Usually cylinders last a week but now one cylinder barely lasts three-four days.” They said the shortage was increasing their daily operational costs.
The vendors report that after two or three days of use, these “scam cylinders” began squirting water or liquid. The gas produces an irregular flame and its colour often shifts from the standard blue to a flickering orange or yellow. This poor combustion leaves a thick black residue on utensils and causes the gas to finish much faster than usual.
Meanwhile, the UT Administration officials said, “The concern has been noted and action will be taken accordingly on receiving such complaints by business owners.”
The adulterated cylinders pose a high risk of accidents. The presence of water can cause the flame to “sputter” or extinguish unexpectedly.
Officials warn that the illegal transfer of LPG from one cylinder to another can be very risky. LPG is transferred into cylinders in particular environmental conditions and with special equipment. If done incorrectly, it can cause explosions.
Water inside a pressurised steel cylinder causes internal rusting. Over time, this weakens the cylinder walls, increasing the chance of a structural failure or a dangerous leak.
To identify if a cylinder contains impurities or water rather than pure gas, users should check for the flame colour, a consistent orange or yellow flame instead of blue usually indicates impurities or low pressure. Any liquid or water spraying from the valve while in use is a definitive sign of tampering. If a cylinder feels unusually heavy even when the gas seems nearly exhausted, it likely contains water. Immediate blackening of the bottom of pans indicates incomplete combustion caused by adulterants.
