An inspection conducted by the Consumer Protection and Defense Program (Procon) in Piauí resulted in the seizure of 388 Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) cylinders, commonly referred to as 'cooking gas'. This operation took place in the municipalities of Matias Olímpio, Porto, União, and José de Freitas, targeting illegal LPG retailers that were found to be operating without proper authorization. The Ministry of Public Affairs of Piauí (MPPI) reported that the actions occurred between February 23 and 27, highlighting the government's commitment to consumer protection and regulation in the gas supply industry.

During the operation, authorities identified clandestine retailers particularly in Porto and José de Freitas, leading to the confiscation of a truck involved in supplying illicit directions to unauthorized establishments. The seized cylinders have been transferred to a legal storage facility where they will be kept under safe conditions, reflecting a significant effort to ensure safety for consumers and adherence to regulations. The move symbolizes the ongoing challenges faced by regulatory bodies in curbing illegal activities in essential services such as gas supply.

The MPPI stated that the illegal retailers and the companies that supplied them are now under scrutiny, having been given a 15-day period to defend their operations before the justice chiefs in each locality. This operation not only seeks to enforce compliance but also aims to raise awareness about the importance of using licensed services in the consumer goods market, especially in the energy sector.