Bhubaneswar: The state govt has seized 8,457 LPG cylinders across the state as part of enforcement drives launched to curb black marketing and illegal hoarding following restrictions on LPG supply since March, food supplies and consumer welfare minister Krushna Chandra Patra informed the assembly on Wednesday.Replying to an unstarred question raised by Bhubaneswar (Central) MLA Ananta Narayan Jena, the minister said regular enforcement drives are being conducted in the state, including Bhubaneswar, to check black marketing and unlawful stocking of domestic cooking gas cylinders.The minister said as of Sept 21, 2026, a total of 8,457 LPG cylinders had been seized statewide during the raids. In Khurda district, which includes Bhubaneswar, raids were carried out in Bhubaneswar, Jatni, Begunia, Khurda town and Bolgarh. Authorities seized 625 LPG cylinders during these enforcement operations, the minister said.He said five persons have been identified for their alleged involvement in LPG black marketing in Bhubaneswar since the restrictions came into force. Seven related cases are currently pending with the Khurda district administration for adjudication, he added.Govt said it is continuing surveillance and enforcement measures to prevent artificial shortages and irregular distribution of LPG. As a long-term strategy, the state is promoting expansion of the piped natural gas (PNG) network to reduce dependence on LPG and ensure a more stable gas supply system.The wider adoption of PNG is also expected to help curb hoarding and black marketing by providing consumers with an alternative source of cooking fuel. “The expansion of PNG infrastructure across Odisha is being encouraged as part of the state’s efforts to strengthen energy distribution and minimise supply disruptions,” the minister said.