New Delhi: The Centre has directed states and Union Territories to step up action against hoarding and black marketing of petroleum products and LPG, citing supply concerns following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Invoking provisions under the Essential Commodities Act and the LPG Control Order, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG) asked states to ramp up enforcement and maintain strict vigilance.
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According to an official statement, states have been asked to “intensify enforcement, conduct daily raids and inspections in coordination with oil marketing companies, and maintain strict vigilance against diversion and misinformation.”
States have also been instructed to strengthen communication efforts to prevent panic among consumers. They have been asked to institutionalise daily press briefings, set up control rooms and helplines, and actively counter fake news to reassure citizens about fuel availability.
The government advised citizens “to avoid panic purchase of petrol and diesel as well as unnecessary booking of LPG,” and urged them not to rely on rumours, instead following official sources. Consumers have also been encouraged to use digital modes for LPG bookings and avoid visiting distributors unless necessary.
The Centre said it is taking steps to ensure uninterrupted availability of petrol, diesel and LPG across the country despite the ongoing geopolitical tensions. Despite the “war situation,” the government said it has accorded the highest priority to domestic LPG and piped natural gas, along with essential services such as hospitals and educational institutions.
Measures include increasing refinery output, extending LPG booking intervals to 25 days in urban areas and up to 45 days in rural areas, and prioritising supplies to critical sectors.
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To manage demand, the government has urged consumers to adopt alternative cooking options where feasible. People were encouraged to shift to PNG, induction and electric cooktops, and to conserve energy in daily use.
The government is also deploying alternate fuels such as kerosene and coal to reduce pressure on LPG supplies, with additional coal allocations being made to states.
States have been advised to expand PNG connections and ensure targeted LPG distribution, while officials reiterated that there is no disruption in LPG supply for migrant workers.
Enforcement actions have already been stepped up across states and Union Territories. More than 4,000 raids have been conducted to check hoarding and black marketing, with over 1,300 LPG cylinders seized in recent operations.
Public sector oil marketing companies have issued over 670 show-cause notices to LPG distributors. The statement added that 21 states and UTs are currently conducting regular press briefings to keep citizens informed.
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