3,000 LPG cylinders lost in Maharashtra flood as HPCL plant overwhelmed

A Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) LPG bottling plant in Patalganga, near Panvel in Maharashtra’s Raigad district, lost around 3,000 LPG cylinders after monsoon floodwaters overwhelmed the facility, officials said. Some of the cylinders were filled with gas, while others were empty.

The cylinders were carried into the Patalganga River, with videos showing them floating downstream as crowds gathered along the banks. Several people were seen entering the swollen river to try to retrieve cylinders despite the fast-moving current, prompting a strong warning from the district administration.

Officials said anyone who comes across a cylinder should not keep it or attempt to use it, and should instead hand it over to HPCL, an authorised HPCL distributor, or deposit it at the Tehsildar’s offices in Khalapur or Pen, or the Sub-Divisional Officer’s office in Pen.

Raigad District Collector Kishan Jawale appealed to residents to stay away from any cylinders found in the river or washed ashore, as authorities work to trace and recover the missing stock.