Centre Calls for Enhanced Public Outreach to Counter LPG Supply Rumors
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has issued a stern directive to state governments and Union territories, urging them to ramp up efforts to combat widespread rumors and misinformation regarding Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) supply. In a formal communication addressed to chief secretaries, the ministry highlighted that inadequate public communication is fueling unnecessary public concern and triggering instances of panic buying in certain regions.
Current State of Public Communication on LPG
According to the ministry's assessment, only 17 states and Union territories are currently conducting regular or occasional press briefings to address public queries and dispel myths about LPG availability. This limited outreach has created a vacuum where false information can thrive, leading to avoidable anxiety among citizens.
The states and UTs actively engaging in public communication include:
- Andhra Pradesh
- Arunachal Pradesh
- Bihar
- Gujarat
- Himachal Pradesh
- Jammu & Kashmir
- Kerala
- Madhya Pradesh
- Maharashtra
- Meghalaya
- Nagaland
- Odisha
- Rajasthan
- Tamil Nadu
- Telangana
- Uttar Pradesh
- Uttarakhand
Urgent Call for Proactive Measures
Petroleum Secretary Neeraj Mittal emphasized in the letter that the remaining states must implement similar communication strategies without delay. The ministry has specifically recommended daily press briefings at appropriately senior levels, coupled with timely dissemination of accurate information through social media and electronic platforms.
"States/UT Governments are requested to intensify proactive and regular public communication," Mittal wrote. "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."
Vigilance Against Malpractices
The communication also called upon authorities to maintain strict vigilance against unfair practices that might emerge from the current situation. The letter explicitly mentioned the need for continued action to curb malpractices such as hoarding and black marketing, which could exacerbate supply chain disruptions and consumer distress.
Background and Government Assurance
This 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 ministry officials, these international developments have coincided with a surge in misleading information on social media platforms regarding fuel prices and LPG availability, placing additional strain on India's distribution network.
Despite these challenges, the government has repeatedly assured citizens that India's crude oil inventories remain adequate, with sufficient supplies to meet demand for the next two months. Earlier this week, Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary at the ministry, stated: "Our refineries are operating at the highest levels. There have been no reports of any dry-out at retail outlets."
Supportive Government Measures
To mitigate the impact of rising global oil prices on consumers and businesses, the government has implemented several supportive measures. These include revising fuel duties by reducing the special additional excise duty on petrol to Rs 3 per liter and completely eliminating this duty on diesel. Additionally, the Centre has encouraged states to accelerate the transition to Piped Natural Gas (PNG) as a sustainable alternative energy source.
The comprehensive approach combines enhanced public communication, strict action against malpractices, and supportive policy measures to ensure stable LPG supply and prevent unnecessary panic among citizens.
