Fraud Case / Gold and Petrol Pump Frauds Exposed as Food Supplies Minister Reveals Data in Odisha Assembly

Bhubaneswar, Sep 23: Odisha has reported alarming figures on cheating in weights and measures, gold jewellery fraud, and petrol pump malpractice, with the Food Supplies Minister presenting detailed data in the Assembly.

In the past three years, 230 cases of cheating in weights and measures have been registered. Of these, 17 cases involved gold jewellery fraud, while 109 cases were linked to petrol pumps.

The government has collected fines amounting to ₹32.10 lakh in weights and measures violations, ₹2.83 lakh in gold fraud cases, and ₹14.36 lakh from petrol pump irregularities.

Also read: Odisha Food Supplies Minister Reveals Scale of Ration Irregularities, Highlights Free Rice Scheme

The minister’s written reply highlighted that strict enforcement continues against traders and dealers attempting to cheat consumers. Officials stressed that vigilance will remain high to protect buyers from malpractice in essential commodities and high‑value items like gold and fuel.

Alongside these measures, the state has intensified its crackdown on LPG black‑marketing and illegal stockpiling. A statewide enforcement drive led to the seizure of 8,457 LPG cylinders and registration of 499 cases under the Essential Commodities Act. Additionally, 47 FIRs were filed and nine arrests made.

District enforcement squads inspected 3,839 locations, including 1,128 LPG distributors and 2,711 hotels, restaurants, and other establishments.

Baleshwar recorded the highest seizure with 1,313 cylinders, followed by Kataka (1,043), Jagatsinghpur (1,011), Khordha (625), Sundaragada (414), and Jajpur (410).

Officials confirmed that surveillance will continue to curb illegal LPG storage and unauthorized use in commercial establishments.