LPG rumours: Centre urges remaining states to prevent panic buying after only 17 conduct briefings

Centre has urged states and Union territories to step up efforts to counter rumours around LPG supply, warning that inadequate public communication is contributing to unnecessary concern and panic buying in some areas. In a letter addressed to chief secretaries, the ministry of petroleum and natural gas said that at present, only 17 states and UTs are holding regular or occasional press briefings to address the issue. It stressed the need for wider and more consistent outreach to reassure citizens about the availability and distribution of LPG. In the letter, petroleum secretary Neeraj Mittal said, "it is observed that rumours and misinformation continue to circulate in certain areas, leading to avoidable public concern and instances of panic buying. As per information provided by State-level Coordinators of OMCs, only 17 States/UTs are presently conducting regular or intermittent press briefings." The states conducting such briefings include:The ministry has urged the remaining states to introduce similar measures without delay."In this regard, States/UT Governments are requested to intensify proactive and regular public communication. Daily press briefings at an appropriately senior level, along with timely dissemination of accurate information through social and electronic media, may be ensured to reassure citizens regarding adequate availability and smooth distribution of LPG and to effectively counter misinformation," the Secretary wrote.The communication also called on authorities to remain vigilant against unfair practices linked to the situation."Necessary action may also continue to be taken to curb malpractices such as hoarding and black marketing," the letter added.The advisory follows an earlier communication issued on March 27, which had highlighted the impact of geopolitical developments in West Asia on global supply chains. According to the Ministry, these developments had coincided with a rise in misleading information on social media about fuel prices and LPG availability, placing additional strain on the country’s distribution network.This comes as the government has repeatedly assured that India's crude oil inventories are adequate, with sufficient supplies for the next two months. Earlier in the week, Sujata Sharma, joint secretary at the minitsry said, "our refineries are operating at the highest levels. There have been no reports of any dry-out at retail outlets." Meanwhile, the government has moved to ease the impact of rising oil prices on consumers and businesses. It has revised fuel duties, cutting the special additional excise duty on petrol to Rs 3 per litre and scrapping it completely on diesel. The Centre has also encouraged states to step up the process for PNG transition.