Lucknow, March 11 The Uttar Pradesh government has put authorities on alert against rumors and the possible black market sale of petrol, diesel, and LPG, with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath directing officials to ensure strict monitoring and action against violators in the state.
Following the chief minister's directions, district administrations and supply department teams conducted inspections and raids from Noida to Gorakhpur to check hoarding or black marketing of fuel and cooking gas, officials said on Wednesday.
Enforcement teams and magistrates carried out checks at petrol pumps and LPG agencies, including those in Gautam Buddh Nagar, to prevent black marketing and ensure normal sales, they said.
Long queues of consumers were witnessed outside some gas agencies, including Lucknow, as locals waited for LPG cylinders.
This heightened vigilance comes amid concerns triggered by the ongoing tensions in West Asia, which have led to panic buying in some areas, the officials said.
Authorities said rumors about a possible disruption in fuel supplies had prompted anxious consumers to rush for refills.
The minimum waiting period for booking a domestic LPG cylinder refill has been increased from 21 days to 25 days, the officials said, adding that the situation was being closely monitored to prevent hoarding and black marketing.
Authorities, however, clarified that there was no need for panic and that the situation was being closely monitored.
"There is no need or room for panic. The government's priority is to help those in need," a senior official told