The Centre has requested the states and union territories to take necessary measures to curb practices such as hoarding and black marketing of LPG and other petroleum products. Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Dr. Neeraj Mittal, has written a letter to all states and union territories in this regard. He stated that rumors and misinformation continue to circulate in certain areas, leading to unnecessary public concern and instances of panic buying. Dr. Mittal said that only 17 states and union territories are currently conducting regular or intermittent press briefings. They have been asked to enhance proactive and regular public communication to ensure the timely dissemination of accurate information through social and electronic media.
The states were also advised to maintain strict vigilance against hoarding, diversion, and the spread of misinformation that could trigger unnecessary panic. The Ministry has stated that all refineries are operating at high capacity, with adequate crude inventories in place, and sufficient stocks of petrol and diesel are being maintained.