Kamal Ghorui
NEW DELHI: Union home secretary Govind Mohan on Wednesday chaired a review meeting with all the states and Union territories (UTs) on the LPG supply situation in view of the developments in West Asia, and advised the state/UT brass to protect the LPG supply chain by ramping up security of the concerned infrastructure and personnel, monitor LPG supplies on a daily basis and bust rumours in real time to avoid any panic. The meeting — attended by the state/UT chief secretaries and DGPs and the secretaries of Union ministries of petroleum and natural gas, information and broadcasting and consumer affairs – was called amid public apprehensions about restrictions on LPG supply in the market in view as the West Asia conflict has directly countries that are key suppliers of gas and oil.Sources told TOI that all states/UTs were briefed about the LPG Control Order dated March 8, 2026 that directs refineries and petrochemical complexes to maximise LPG production and prioritise domestic LPG supply for household consumers. It was clarified that restrictions on the distribution of LPG apply to commercial establishments, including hotels and restaurants, while excluding hospitals or educational institutions from the ambit of the order.All states/UTs were advised to ensure protection of the LPG supply chain by ramping up security for the concerned infrastructure and personnel. They were also advised to monitor local LPG supplies on a daily basis, take strict action against violators, and maintain law and order on the ground. The states/UTs were asked to undertake sufficient awareness drives — both directly and through oil marketing companies — to allay fears and counter rumours regarding LPG shortage, and spread the word on active measures being taken by the govt to ensure adequate availability of LPG for households.The states/UTs, said sources, were further advised to closely monitor social media platforms and take prompt action to remove fake news and false narratives about an alleged LPG shortage, by circulating old or unrelated material.The ministry of home affairs has meanwhile strengthened its control room, operating on a 24×7 basis, by including nodal officers from the I&B ministry and the petroleum and natural gas ministry. This arrangement has been made to enable fact-checking and the issuance of immediate clarifications to states and UTs on any matter pertaining to the current situation.
