The Centre has asked the States and Union territories to take necessary action to curb malpractices such as hoarding and black marketing of LPG and other petroleum products. Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Dr Neeraj Mittal has written a letter to all states and Union Territories in this regard.
He said that rumours and misinformation continue to circulate in certain areas, leading to avoidable public concern and instances of panic buying. Dr Mittal said that only 17 States and UTs are presently conducting regular or intermittent press briefings. They have been asked to step up proactive and regular public communication to ensure timely dissemination of accurate information through social and electronic media.
States were also advised to maintain strict vigilance against hoarding, diversion, and the spread of misinformation that could trigger unnecessary panic. The Ministry has said that all refineries are operating at high capacity, with adequate crude inventories in place, and sufficient stocks of petrol and diesel are being maintained.
