The Center urged states and union territories to intensify efforts to counter rumors about LPG supplies, warning that inadequate public communications are contributing to unnecessary anxiety and panic in some areas.
In a letter 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 conferences to address the issue. She stressed the need for broader and more consistent awareness raising to reassure citizens about the availability and distribution of LPG. “It is observed that rumors and misinformation continue to spread in certain areas, leading to avoidable public anxiety and instances of panic buying,” Petroleum Minister Neeraj Mittal said in the letter.
According to information provided by the coordinators of state-level OMCs, only 17 states/union territories currently conduct regular or intermittent press briefings.
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Impact of Iran war hits India: Commercial LPG prices rise, airfare prices are expected to rise as fuel costs double
Countries conducting such briefings include:
- Andhra Pradesh
- Arunachal Pradesh
- Bihar
- Gujarat
- Himachal Pradesh
- Jammu and Kashmir
- Kerala
- Madhya Pradesh
- Maharashtra
- Meghalaya
- Nagaland
- Odisha
- Rajasthan
- Tamil Nadu
- Telangana
- Uttar Pradesh
- Uttarakhand
The Ministry urged the remaining states to take similar measures without delay.“In this regard, the State/US governments are requested to intensify proactive and regular public communications. “Daily press briefings at appropriate high level can be ensured, coupled with timely dissemination of accurate information through social and electronic media, to reassure citizens regarding adequate availability and smooth distribution of LPG and to effectively counter misinformation,” the Minister wrote.
The communication also called on the authorities to remain vigilant against unfair practices related to the situation.“Necessary measures may also continue to be taken to curb malpractices such as hoarding and black marketing,” the letter added.This warning follows a previous letter issued on March 27, which highlighted the impact of geopolitical developments in West Asia on global supply chains. According to the ministry, these developments coincided with a rise in misinformation on social media about fuel prices and the availability of LPG, which has increased pressure on the country’s distribution network.This comes at a time when the government has repeatedly stressed that India’s crude oil stocks are sufficient, with sufficient supplies for the next two months. Earlier in the week, Sujata Sharma, joint secretary in the ministry, said: “Our refineries are operating at the highest levels. There have been no reports of any drought at retail outlets.” At the same time, the government moved to mitigate the impact of higher oil prices on consumers and businesses.
It has revised fuel excise duty, reduced the special surcharge on petrol to Rs 3 per litre, and eliminated it completely on diesel. The Center also encouraged countries to intensify Papua New Guinea’s transition process.