UP CM Yogi Adityanath orders crack down on LPG rumour-mongering

LUCKNOW: Amid the black marketing of LPG cylinders and panic buying among consumers due to the ongoing Middle East crisis, UP govt on Wednesday said there was no shortage of domestic cylinders or petrol and diesel in the state. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath directed officials to act against rumour-mongering, hoarding and black marketing of these items.The CM on Wednesday directed officials to carry out continuous monitoring of the petrol-diesel and domestic gas supply chain and take immediate action in case there were reports of disruption or shortage anywhere. The administration and police started inspections of fuel pumping stations and gas agencies. Reacting to rumours of shortages, govt claimed that these were largely circulating on social media and should be ignored as they were misleading and completely false. A govt spokesperson warned that strict action would be taken against anyone found to be spreading rumours."We are carrying out continuous monitoring at the district level to keep the supply system transparent and organised. The govt is appealing to citizens not to pay heed to rumours and only trust official information. There is adequate availability of petrol-diesel and LPG cylinders in the state," the official said. Following the chief minister's directions, district administrations and supply department teams conducted inspections and raids from Noida to Gorakhpur to check hoarding or black marketing of fuel and cooking gas, officials said. Enforcement teams and magistrates carried out checks at petrol pumps and LPG agencies, including those in Gautam Budh Nagar.The minimum waiting period for booking a domestic LPG cylinder refill has been increased from 21 days to 25 days, the officials said.