Fuel Supplies Stable, Govt Urges Calm Amid Panic Buying; LPG Rackets Busted in Delhi, Tiruppur

Amid concerns triggered by geopolitical tensions in West Asia and reports of panic buying, authorities across India have moved to reassure citizens about the availability of fuel and LPG, while also cracking down on illegal activities linked to gas distribution.

District Magistrate of Lucknow, Visakh G Iyer, underscored the administration’s efforts to prevent any fuel shortage in the city, assuring that supplies remain adequate.

Speaking with ANI, he said the administration is closely monitoring demand and coordinating with oil marketing companies.

“I would request everyone that there is no shortage of any kind. Do not hoard fuel. The police and administration are ensuring that there is no shortage of any kind at any petrol pump," he added.

Is fuel supply in India stable despite West Asia tensions?

The Government of India also reiterated that fuel supply across the country remains stable and retail fuel outlets are functioning normally despite the ongoing developments in West Asia.

In a statement, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas urged citizens not to believe rumours or resort to panic buying.

"There are adequate stocks of petrol and diesel available at all Petrol Pumps in the country," the ministry said and reiterated its advice to citizens "not to believe rumours."

"All refineries are operating at high capacity, with adequate crude inventories in place," the ministry said, noting that domestic LPG production from refineries has been increased to support consumption.

With the Strait of Hormuz remaining closed, the ministry said several steps have been taken to maintain supplies of LPG and petroleum products.

Is LPG supply and domestic cylinder delivery normal across India?

No reported dry-out at LPG distributorships has been recorded so far, and the "delivery of Domestic LPG Cylinders is normal," the ministry said.

At the same time, enforcement agencies in different parts of the country have taken action against illegal storage and distribution of LPG cylinders.

In Tamil Nadu, the District Supply Department of Tiruppur seized more than 200 commercial and domestic cylinders stored without proper permission in Thai Mookambigai Nagar near Chamundipuram.

The department had received prior information about the illegal storage.

Acting on the tip-off, District Supply Officer and Consumer Protection Officer Saravanan, along with officers led by Civil Supplies (North) Ragavi and Civil Supplies Criminal Investigation Inspector Rajasekhar, conducted an inspection at the site.

Who is behind the illegal LPG cylinder storage linked to Vinayaka Gas Agencies?

The investigation revealed that more than 200 cylinders were stored for sale. Authorities later found that the cylinders belonged to Vinayaka Gas Agencies and further investigation is underway with the owner, Mohan.

In Delhi, the Crime Branch busted an illegal LPG racket in Sangam Vihar, South Delhi, on Wednesday, arresting four accused and recovering 183 gas cylinders.

The operation followed a tip-off regarding suspicious storage and distribution activities.

The accused were identified as Sher Singh, Suraj Parihar, Raghu Raj Singh, and Jitender Sharma.

According to the police, all four are registered delivery personnel of an authorised gas agency and were involved in illegal storage and refilling of LPG cylinders under the guise of distribution.

How many LPG cylinders were seized in the Delhi illegal gas racket?

Police said a total of 183 Indane gas cylinders were seized from three rented godowns, including 154 filled and 29 empty cylinders.

The investigation revealed that the accused diverted cylinders meant for customers and stored them in rented spaces.

They illegally extracted 1-2 kilograms of gas from filled cylinders and transferred it into empty ones using makeshift equipment. These refilled cylinders were then sold in the open market at higher prices.

During the raids, officials recovered tools used in the operation, including iron pipes, electronic weighing scales, and refilling instruments. Police said the setup indicated a well-organised racket operating under the cover of legitimate distribution.

A case has been registered under the Essential Commodities Act and relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

(With inputs from ANI)