Govt asks states to crack down on hoarding, black marketing amid fuel supply concerns

New Delhi: The Centre has asked states and Union Territories to step up enforcement against hoarding and black marketing of petroleum products and LPG, as concerns over supplies grow following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

In a directive issued by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, authorities were told to act under provisions of the Essential Commodities Act and the LPG Control Order. The ministry called for intensified inspections, including daily raids carried

out in coordination with oil marketing companies, along with close monitoring to prevent diversion of supplies and the spread of misinformation.

According to an official statement, states have also been advised to establish control rooms and helplines while conducting daily press briefings to keep citizens informed. These measures are aimed at maintaining public confidence and ensuring transparency regarding fuel availability.

The government said it is taking steps to ensure uninterrupted supply of petrol, diesel and LPG despite the ongoing geopolitical tensions. Citizens have been urged to avoid panic buying of fuel and refrain from unnecessary LPG bookings. “Avoid panic purchase of petrol and diesel as well as unnecessary booking of LPG,” the advisory said, adding that people should rely only on official information and ignore rumours.

Consumers have also been encouraged to use digital platforms for LPG bookings and limit visits to distributors. The government has suggested the use of alternative cooking options such as piped natural gas, induction stoves and electric cooktops wherever possible, along with adopting energy-saving practices.

Despite what it described as a “war situation,” the Centre said domestic LPG and piped natural gas supplies, along with services like hospitals and educational institutions, remain a top priority. Measures include increasing refinery output and extending LPG booking intervals to 25 days in urban areas and up to 45 days in rural regions.

To ease demand, alternative fuels such as kerosene and coal are being supplied, with additional coal allocations made to states. Authorities have also been advised to expand PNG connections and ensure targeted LPG distribution.

Enforcement actions have already been scaled up, with more than 4,000 raids conducted nationwide. Over 1,300 LPG cylinders have been seized, and public sector oil marketing companies have issued more than 670 show cause notices to distributors.

So far, 21 states and Union Territories have begun regular press briefings to keep the public updated, the statement added.