Centre Warns States Over LPG Panic
The Centre has asked states to ensure that panic over LPG cylinder availability does not turn into a law-and-order problem, as concerns over fuel supplies continue amid the West Asia crisis. The advisory came after reports of panic booking, hoarding concerns and confusion over whether supply curbs applied only to commercial cylinders or also to domestic users.
Centre Tells States To Prevent LPG Panic
Senior officials told states to closely monitor the sale and distribution of domestic LPG cylinders and prevent any breakdown in public order. Chief secretaries and police chiefs were asked to stay in regular touch with district authorities, while action was also sought against rumour-mongering and misleading claims about a nationwide fuel shortage. The focus appears to be on preventing panic from spreading faster than the actual supply disruption.
Domestic LPG Supply Gets Priority
The central government has already issued orders directing refineries and petrochemical units to maximise LPG production and prioritise domestic household consumption. Officials have repeatedly said there is no need for panic booking and that normal household deliveries are continuing, with booking rules adjusted to discourage unnecessary repeat demand. The current squeeze has been felt more sharply in some commercial segments, especially hotels and restaurants in major cities.
Commercial Cylinder Confusion Adds Pressure
Part of the anxiety has stemmed from confusion around earlier government orders, which some distributors and businesses interpreted as a ban on commercial LPG supply. The petroleum ministry has since clarified that no such blanket ban exists, though ground-level disruptions have still been reported in several cities. With states now told to monitor distribution and curb hoarding or black marketing, the Centre is trying to contain both the supply strain and the public scare around it.
