Chandigarh Administration Assures Adequate Fuel Supplies, Urges Citizens Not to Panic Buy LPG
The Voice of Chandigarh
With the ongoing geopolitical developments, energy supplies to India have been affected, thereby impacting the supply of petroleum products with-in the country. Resultantly, there have been some constraints in LPG availability.
It is clarified that there is no shortage of supply in the domestic sector, though the consumption has increased slightly, which may attributed to sporadic incidents of panic buying. However, the Oil Marketing Companies have informed the Administration that they are maintaining sufficient stocks to address the daily requirements.
As far as the supply of commercial cylinders of LPG are concerned, the Govt of India has limited the supply to 20% of the average monthly sales. Towards this end, States/UTs have been advised to ensure that the essential services are not disrupted. UT Chandigarh is ensuring that the services in the Hospitals and Educational Institutes, along with shelter homes for the vulnerable are maintained.
In order to ensure that there is no diversion of domestic LPG for other purposes and that double stocking and overcharging of rates do not take place, Area Inspectors of the Food and Supplies Department and OMC’s have been directed to maintain constant vigil in their respective jurisdictions.
The Prevention of Black-marketing and Maintenance of Supplies of Essential Commodities Act, 1980 and The Essential commodities Act, 1955 may be invoked if the need so arises to prevent any hoarding or black marketing of LPG cylinders.
Use of alternate fuel sources is being promoted and the Government is especially encouraging consumers to shift to PNG as it is generally more economical, safe and efficient than LPG. A number of commercial entities are already consumers of PNG. Further, it may be noted that PNG supply is currently available in Sectors 10, 11, 17, 22, 26 to 28, 30, 32 to 38, 40 to 44, and 46 to 51.
Sufficient supplies of Motor Spirit and High Speed Diesel are being maintained and no shortage has been reported.
Accordingly administration appeal to the citizens, not to panic, not to believe or spread unverified information and not to encourage or partake in any black marketing or hoarding of LPG.
