LPG Rumors: Center urges remaining states to stop panic buying after only 17 conduct briefings & more related News Here

The Center has urged states and Union Territories to step up efforts to counter rumors about LPG supplies, warning that inadequate public communication is contributing to unnecessary anxiety and panic buying in some areas. In a letter addressed to Chief Secretaries, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas said that currently, only 17 states and union territories are holding regular or occasional press briefings to address the issue. It stressed the need for broader and more consistent outreach to reassure citizens about the availability and distribution of LPG. In the letter, Petroleum Secretary Neeraj Mittal said, “It has been observed that rumors and misinformation continue to spread in some sectors, leading to increased public anxiety and incidents of panic buying. As per the information provided by the state-level coordinators of OMCs, currently only 17 states/UTs are holding press briefings regularly or intermittently.“ States that have organized such briefings include:

The ministry has urged the remaining states to initiate similar measures without any delay. “In this regard, State/UT Governments are requested to intensify proactive and regular public communication. Daily press briefing at appropriate senior level as well as timely dissemination of accurate information through social and electronic media may be ensured, so that citizens can be assured about adequate availability and smooth distribution of LPG and misinformation can be effectively countered.” The communication also called on officials to remain vigilant against inappropriate practices related to the situation. “Necessary action will also continue to be taken to curb irregularities like hoarding and black marketing,” the letter said. The advisory follows an earlier communication issued on March 27, which highlighted the impact of geopolitical developments in West Asia on global supply chains. According to the ministry, these developments coincide with an increase in misinformation on social media about fuel prices and LPG availability, putting additional pressure on the country’s distribution network.This comes even as the government has repeatedly assured that India’s crude oil reserves are adequate and there is enough supply for the next two months. Earlier in the week, Sujata Sharma, joint secretary in the ministry, had said, “Our refineries are operating at the highest level. There are no reports of dry-out at retail outlets.” Meanwhile, the government has moved to cushion the impact of rising oil prices on consumers and businesses. It has revised fuel duty, reducing special additional excise duty on petrol by Rs 3 per liter and completely eliminating it on diesel. The Center has also encouraged states to take forward the process of PNG transition.