LPG shortage? UP, Delhi, WB prepare fight vs hoarding & black marketing post-Centre's 'don't panic' call

The Uttar Pradesh, Delhi and West Bengal governments prepared their respective action plans against possible hoarding and black marketing of LPG on Wednesday, after the Centre assured the public that the country had adequate energy supplies and urged consumers not to panic-book cooking gas refills. The state-level announcements came hours after four key departments under the Union government gave an overview of the Middle East oil crisis amid growing concerns about the prospect of shortages of auto and cooking fuels in the country.

According to officials, the three government lined up steps to monitor the distribution and sale of LPG. Authorities began coordinating with oil marketing companies (OMCs) and district-level officials to ensure smooth and uninterrupted cooking gas supplies to households.

Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Assam, West Bengal warn of strict action for non-comliance

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UP

The Yogi Adityanath-led UP government vowed to ensure adequate supplies of petrol, diesel and cooking gas refills across all districts in the state, warning of strict action against hoarders, black marketers and rumour mongers.

CM Adityanath ordered continuous monitoring of petrol, diesel and gas supply chains. The state government said it would continuously monitor the supply chain and undertake special measures to ensure strict compliance, including inspections at fuel stations and LPG agencies.

It urged the public to rely only on official information during this phase and ignore rumours circulating on social media.

Stating that there is no shortage of petrol or diesel in the state, CM Adityanath urged people to ignore rumours about LPG shortage. The CM directed officials to ensure uninterrupted and smooth supply of cooking gas across the state. In a meeting with senior state government officials and top executives of oil companies, he said that no artificial shortage should be allowed to arise at any level and consumers who have booked LPG cylinders should receive their refills in a timely manner as per the rules. Oil companies should coordinate with the administration and regularly inform the public about the real status of LPG supply and distribution, said the CM.

He also said that the central government is taking necessary steps to maintain normal supply and distribution.

Issuing strict instructions, Adityanath said that if any distributor agency or private individual is found involved in black marketing or hoarding, an FIR should be registered immediately and strict action taken. He directed that police personnel be deployed at LPG distributor centres if required to prevent disorder and ensure smooth distribution.

Delhi

The Rekha Gupta-led administration in the national capital affirmed that supplies of both auto fuels and cooking gas remained normal.

Officials said adequate stocks were available and dismissed rumours of disruptions.

The Mamata Banerjee-led West Bengal government ordered nodal officers to monitor daily orders placed by gas agencies after detecting issues in CNG supplies. Officials confirmed that petrol and diesel supplies remained normal.

Authorities also directed suppliers in the state to maintain adequate auto fuel supplies.

The state called a virtual meeting on Thursday with district magistrates, superintendents of police and officials from various departments to tackle the LPG shortage.

Police said strict measures would be taken to prevent any instances of black marketing and hoarding.

West Bengal

The West Bengal government also urged the public to cooperate, conserve gas and refrain from hoarding.

Appealing for public cooperation, CM Banerjee said that saving a little will ensure there are no issues in petrol and diesel supplies.

She said her government is ready to provide whatever help is needed in order to ensure that people don't face any trouble.

"Everyone should cooperate with each other," said the CM.

Assam

Meanwhile, Assam Police also warned of strict legal action against "anyone trying to spread rumours about shortages of LPG, POL and other petroleum products".

Citizens are advised not to believe or forward such any misleading claims that may be spread by inimical elements to try and create confusion, the police wrote on X.

Centre's 'don't panic' call

Urging citizens not to resort to rush-booking in panic, the Union government said measures undertaken had boosted domestic LPG output by 25 per cent.

This week, the Centre invoked emergency powers to step up LPG production while restricting industrial sales.

India imports about half of its estimated annual natural gas consumption of 190 mmscmd, and consignments amounting to 47.4 mmscmd have been hit by supply constraints and force majeure from Qatar.

It also said India is security oil and gas supplies from alternative routes, avoiding the Strait of Hormuz, with two LNG cargoes already en route.

The central government said it is continuously monitoring the global situation to ensure uninterrupted fuel supplies.