Union Home Minister Govind Mohan on Wednesday directed chief secretaries of all states and union territories (UTs) and director generals of police (DGPs) to monitor LPG supplies and ensure there is no black marketing or hoarding, people familiar with the development said.
Mohan also asked the states and union territories to ensure that there is no breakdown of law and order in the sale and distribution of LPG cylinders, they said.
The meeting, which was held around 3 p.m., comes after reports of a shortage of gas cylinders began coming from different parts of the country, although the government said in a press conference that it is monitoring the global situation and taking the necessary steps to ensure uninterrupted fuel supplies and protect families and priority sectors.
“The home minister said that states/union territories and senior police officers need to ensure that there is no black marketing or hoarding by individuals or groups, which could lead to further shortages and impact household supplies. He also asked the DGs to ensure that there is no breakdown of law and order in the sale and distribution of LPG cylinders,” said a home ministry official, requesting anonymity.
Representatives of the Ministry of Consumer Affairs also attended the meeting, officials said.
A second officer said that the chief secretaries have been asked to receive regular reports from the police and other officials on the development of the situation and to update the police personnel on the Centre’s instructions.
“The states and union territories have also been asked to take steps to curb any kind of rumors about the alleged fuel shortage in the country,” the officer added.
India’s total gas consumption in 2024-25 was about 71.3 billion cubic metres, with 50.1% dependence on import, according to the Petroleum Planning and Analysis Cell (PPAC). Experts say that the conflict in West Asia has disrupted about a third of total liquefied natural gas imports. The balance of India’s imports of liquefied natural gas comes from the United States, Russia and Australia.
India imports natural gas in LNG form, which, once regasified, feeds a network of pipelines that supply PNG to homes and CNG to vehicles. LPG – the cooking gas used by homes and commercial establishments – is a separate product, but its domestic production partly relies on natural gas processing, meaning interruptions to LNG imports are putting pressure on both supply chains.
