Puducherry, March 11 The Puducherry government said on Wednesday that there is sufficient stock of domestic LPG cylinders in the Union Territory and urged the public not to believe rumors of shortages.
The Director of Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs of Puducherry, in a statement, warned that any diversion of domestic cylinders to other purposes will attract action under the provisions of the Essential Commodities Act 1955, the provisions of the Petroleum Products (Maintenance of Production, Storage and Supply) Order, 1999, and also under other applicable laws in force.
The official said that the government has received information that certain unauthorized sources have been circulating rumors of a shortage of LPG cylinders across the Union Territory.
He further said, "Discussions have been held with the Oil Marketing Companies who have assured that there will be no disruption in the supply of LPG cylinders and that the cylinders will continue to be supplied to consumers without any hindrance."
He termed any news regarding the shortage of domestic LPG cylinders as "false and misleading."
The territorial government is closely monitoring the situation and has already initiated necessary measures in coordination with Oil Marketing Companies to ensure the continuous supply of LPG cylinders to households.
The Centre has also directed that the LPG cylinders should be made available only to domestic consumers. "Any diversion of domestic cylinders for other purposes would attract strict action under the Act," he warned.
Appealing to the public not to panic, the Director said consumers are advised to cooperate with the authorities and rely only on official information provided by the government.