New Delhi, March 11 The Centre advised all states and Union territories to monitor LPG supplies daily, take strict action against violators, quell rumour mongering, and maintain law and order in response to public concerns about restricted LPG cylinder supplies in the domestic market due to the escalating crisis in West Asia, officials said.
At a meeting chaired by Home Secretary Govind Mohan on Wednesday, it was conveyed that an LPG control order dated March 8 directed refineries and petrochemical complexes to maximize LPG production and prioritize domestic supply for household consumers.
The meeting, attended by secretaries from the ministries of petroleum and natural gas, information and broadcasting, and consumer affairs, along with chief secretaries and DGPs of states and UTs, conveyed that restrictions have been imposed on the distribution of LPG cylinders to commercial establishments, including hotels and restaurants, but "not to hospitals or educational institutions."
The home secretary advised chief secretaries and DGPs to keep a close watch on LPG supplies in their respective jurisdictions, prevent hoarding or black marketing of cylinders, and officials said.
The states and UTs were also advised to ensure the protection of the LPG supply chain by enhancing security arrangements.
They were also told to take strict action against violators, maintain law and order on the ground, and undertake sufficient awareness campaigns – directly and through oil marketing companies – to dispel fears of LPG shortages and counter rumour mongering.
The Centre is taking active measures to ensure adequate availability of LPG for households, the meeting was told.
The states and UTs have also been advised to closely monitor social media and take prompt action to remove fake news and prevent the spread of false narratives by circulating old or unrelated material.
The Ministry of Home Affairs has set up a 24x7 control room with nodal officers from the information and broadcasting, and petroleum and natural gas ministries.
The control room will enable fact-checking and the issuance of immediate clarifications to states and UTs on any matter related to the current situation.
India consumes approximately 31.3 million tonnes of LPG annually. As much as 87 per cent of this is in the domestic sector, i.e., household kitchens, and the rest in commercial establishments such as hotels and restaurants.
Of this total requirement, 62 per cent is met through imports.
The US-Israel attacks on Iran and Tehran's retaliation have closed the Strait of Hormuz, a key sea route through which India gets 85-90 per cent of its LPG imports from West Asian nations, including Saudi Arabia and Qatar.