New Delhi: The Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, reviewed the fuel supply situation across the country during a meeting with Additional Chief Secretaries and Principal Secretaries of Food and Civil Supplies departments of all States and Union Territories on Thursday.
The Secretary briefed the states and UTs on the steps being taken by the Centre to ensure uninterrupted availability of petroleum products and appreciated their cooperation in dealing with the evolving situation.
The meeting stressed the need for states to actively manage and prioritise LPG distribution to ensure uninterrupted supply for domestic consumers and essential sectors. States were also asked to maintain strict vigilance against hoarding, diversion and misinformation that could trigger panic buying.
The Centre commended states including Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Haryana, Delhi, Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh for taking proactive enforcement measures, including raids to curb irregularities. Other states were urged to intensify monitoring and take strict action against violators.
On reports regarding LPG supply to migrant workers, states clarified that there is no disruption in availability. The Secretary said states may consider targeted distribution of 5-kg free trade LPG cylinders depending on local requirements in coordination with oil marketing companies.
Regarding LPG use in auto-rickshaws, the meeting was informed that efforts are underway to meet the demand and that dual-fuel autos should be encouraged to use petrol wherever possible.
The Secretary appreciated the cooperation of all states and UTs and called for continued monitoring to ensure supply stability and maintain public confidence.
