LPG cylinder supply: Centre directs states to curb hoarding, prevent panic

The Centre on Wednesday directed states to address LPG cylinder supply issues and prevent panic from escalating into law and order problems. Authorities were also asked to curb hoarding and black marketing amid reports of panic booking.

In a meeting with chief secretaries and DGPs chaired by Home Secretary Govind Mohan, Petroleum Secretary Niraj Mittal assured states that domestic LPG and natural gas supplies remain a government priority, and there is no reason for public alarm, according to TOI.

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The Centre clarified that recent distribution restrictions apply only to commercial establishments, while hospitals and schools are exempt.

“Since there is no shortage to meet domestic LPG supply, states have a bigger role to ensure that there is no panic buying,” said an official to TOI.

Consumer Affairs Secretary Nidhi Khare highlighted that prices of essential commodities remain stable, with the Centre monitoring 40 key items.

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“States were informed that Centre is tapping additional sources to increase availability and that alternative option of electric induction should be looked at to tide over the crisis...” said another official to TOI.

Mohan advised ramping up security for LPG infrastructure, monitoring supplies daily, and countering rumors on social media in real time.

States have also been instructed to set up control rooms at state and district levels to monitor the situation and appoint officials for grievance redressal, following the model used during the Covid crisis.

With TOI inputs