The LPG Scam Across Indian States Amid Shortage Rumours Has Suddenly Spiked Up
A wave of cyber fraud cases linked to LPG booking has emerged across India, triggered by rumours of a gas shortage. From Maharashtra to Punjab and Odisha, multiple incidents show how scammers are exploiting panic and urgency to steal money.
Real Gas Scam Incidents Across India
- A 57-year-old auto-rickshaw driver in Naupada, Maharashtra lost ₹1 lakh after fraudsters posed as gas representatives.
- In Dombivli, Maharashtra, a woman was duped of ₹3 lakh after receiving a message threatening LPG disconnection.
- In Punjab, fraud calls related to LPG booking have surged due to panic buying.
- In Odisha, officials warned about suspicious links and scam messages being widely circulated.
- In another case, a woman in Udupi lost ₹1.45 lakh after downloading an APK file sent via WhatsApp.
This clearly shows a pattern, not isolated cases.
But, The Question Is , Is There Really an LPG Shortage in India?
According to Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary (Marketing & Oil Refinery), Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas:“There is no shortage of LPG. Supplies are sufficient and the situation is under control.”
She further clarified:
- Reports of LPG shortage are misinformation
- Panic booking and hoarding are creating pressure
- Domestic LPG production has increased by 25%
- India has enough stock to meet demand
The reality is clear, there is no actual LPG shortage!!!
Then Why Is This LPG Gas Shortage in India Happening?
The panic is being driven by rumours, and that panic is exactly what scammers and black marketers are using. The current situation has created urgency in people’s minds. Everyone wants to secure their gas connection quickly, and that is where the trap begins.
How Cyber Frauds & Black Marketers Are Using This To Siphon Money ?
According to police and officials, rumours of LPG shortage are being weaponised.
Cyber criminals are taking advantage of this situation by:
- Creating fake LPG booking websites
- Sending fraudulent SMS and WhatsApp messages
- Sharing fake links for “instant booking”
- Circulating APK files to compromise devices
At the same time, black marketers are:
- Spreading shortage rumours
- Creating artificial demand
- Selling cylinders at higher prices
The formula is simple — create fear, create urgency, and profit from it.
How This Particular Scam Actually Works (Modus Operandi of Gas Fraud )?
- You receive a message saying your LPG payment is not updated or your connection will be disconnected
- The message asks you to click a link or call a number
- You are directed to a website that looks like an official LPG portal
- In some cases, you are asked to download an APK file
- You enter your card details, OTP, or banking information
- The money is then siphoned off
This is not a technical hack — this is social engineering.
The scammer either scares you or makes it look like they are helping you, and in that process, you end up sharing sensitive information.
Why Are People Still Falling for It?
These scam messages are designed to push you into quick action.
- They promise instant booking
- They create fear of disconnection
- They look exactly like official platforms
- They use familiar names of gas companies
Experts warn that these links redirect users to fake websites that closely resemble official portals, making it difficult to identify the fraud.
What You Should Do to Stay Safe ?
- Do not trust unknown websites or links claiming instant LPG booking
- Be cautious of SMS, WhatsApp messages, or ads offering quick delivery or discounts
- Never click on suspicious links asking for payment
- Always book LPG cylinders through official websites, apps, or registered distributors
- Do not share OTP, bank details, or UPI PIN with anyone
- Avoid downloading APK files from unknown sources
- If a message creates urgency, stop and verify before acting
Also, use only official numbers and platforms for booking (as shown in the image above).
Final Note
Do not panic at any cost. The shortage narrative is being exaggerated, and reacting in urgency is exactly what scammers want. If possible, explore alternatives like PNG or Induction instead of rushing into unsafe bookings.
Cyber fraud today is not random — it is planned, timed, and built around human behaviour.
Prime Infoserv, a trusted cybersecurity service provider in Kolkata and now a cyber wing of INT., helps businesses and individuals stay protected against such evolving threats.
Call us. +91 9147712576 Mail us. info@primeinfoserv.com
We will be more than glad to help you strengthen your security posture before it turns into a loss.
