NEW DELHI: Amid rising concerns over a possible shortage of cooking gas following the ongoing crisis in the Gulf region, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has issued an advisory to states and Union Territories (UTs) directing them to ensure adequate security at LPG infrastructure and take strict action against hoarding and black-marketing of cooking gas cylinders, officials said.
The advisory was reiterated during a nearly two-hour virtual meeting chaired by Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan with Chief Secretaries and Directors General of Police (DGPs) of states and UTs. Senior officials from the ministries of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Information and Broadcasting, and Consumer Affairs also attended the meeting.
According to officials, states and UTs have been asked to strengthen security around key LPG infrastructure, including bottling plants, storage facilities, distribution networks and transport vehicles carrying cylinders. They have also been directed to closely monitor local supplies on a daily basis and take strict enforcement action against violations such as hoarding or black-marketing.
The MHA has simultaneously strengthened its central control room, which will now operate round-the-clock. Nodal officers from the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting have been stationed there to facilitate real-time coordination, fact-checking and immediate clarification of any rumours or misinformation circulating in states and UTs.
In the advisory, the ministry also asked state governments to run awareness campaigns through oil marketing companies to reassure the public about LPG availability. Authorities have been directed to monitor social media platforms closely and take steps to remove fake news, misleading posts or recycled videos that could trigger panic among consumers.
Meanwhile, refineries and petrochemical complexes across the country have been instructed to maximise LPG production and prioritise household consumption. Officials clarified that temporary restrictions imposed on the supply of LPG cylinders to commercial establishments such as hotels and restaurants are intended to ensure adequate availability for domestic consumers.
However, these restrictions will not apply to essential institutions including hospitals and educational establishments, which will continue to receive uninterrupted supplies.
The measures come in the backdrop of reports suggesting public apprehension over a possible restriction in LPG supplies in the domestic market due to developments in West Asia.
India is among the world’s largest consumers of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), which is widely used as the primary cooking fuel in households. Government initiatives such as the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana have significantly expanded LPG access over the past decade, bringing millions of rural and economically weaker households into the clean-fuel network.
Officials said the Centre will continue to monitor the situation closely to ensure uninterrupted availability of cooking gas for domestic consumers across the country.