Mumbai, March 26 There is no shortage of cooking gas and other fuels in Maharashtra, but rumors and statements from opposition leaders are causing panic, state minister Girish Mahajan said on Thursday, urging people not to engage in panic buying.
There has been a sudden increase in demand for fuels over the past five days, leading to an "artificial shortage," he said, adding that petrol pump operators have adequate supplies, but the surge in demand has created a perception of scarcity.
"There is no shortage in the state. People are worried about a possible shortage, but the Union government has assured a continued supply of cooking gas," Mahajan told reporters.
The fear among the people, coupled with statements from opposition parties, has created unnecessary concern about the supply of LPG, the BJP leader said, adding that the situation will normalize in the next three to four days.
The minister appealed to people not to hoard fuel and warned of action against those spreading rumors on social media.