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Centre Urges States to Curb LPG Rumours, Only 17 Hold Briefings

The Central Government has expressed concern over persistent rumours about LPG availability, noting only 17 states conduct regular press briefings to curb public anxiety. In a letter to states, Petroleum Secretary Neeraj Mittal urged intensified communication to prevent panic buying and hoarding. The Centre requested the remaining states to immediately adopt similar measures, including daily senior-level briefings and using social media to disseminate accurate information. The directive also calls for strict action against malpractices like black marketing, following earlier warnings about supply chain disruptions from geopolitical tensions.

Key Points: Centre Urges States to Curb LPG Rumours, Prevent Panic Buying

  • Only 17 states conduct LPG briefings
  • Centre urges action against rumours
  • Calls for daily press briefings
  • Strict enforcement against hoarding
2 min read

Only 17 states conduct LPG briefings; Centre urges remaining states to curb rumours and prevent panic buying

Centre urges states to intensify communication against LPG rumours. Only 17 states conduct regular briefings to prevent panic buying and hoarding.

"It is observed that rumours and misinformation continue to circulate in certain areas, leading to avoidable public concern and instances of panic buying. - Petroleum Secretary Neeraj Mittal"

New Delhi, April 3

The Central Government has raised concerns over the persistence of rumours regarding LPG availability, noting that only 17 states are currently conducting regular press briefings to mitigate public anxiety.

In a formal letter to all State and Union Territory Chief Secretaries, the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas (MoPNG) has urged local administrations to intensify their communication strategies to prevent panic buying and hoarding across the country.

"It is observed that rumours and misinformation continue to circulate in certain areas, leading to avoidable public concern and instances of panic buying. As per information provided by State-level Coordinators of OMCs, only 17 States/UTs are presently conducting regular or intermittent press briefings," Petroleum Secretary Neeraj Mittal stated in the letter.

The states currently conducting these briefings include Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Bihar, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Odisha, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. The Centre has requested the remaining states to immediately adopt similar measures to stabilise the situation.

"In this regard, States/UT Governments are requested to intensify proactive and regular public communication. 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," the Secretary wrote.

Beyond this communication, the Ministry has also called for strict enforcement against those exploiting the situation for profit.

"Necessary action may also continue to be taken to curb malpractices such as hoarding and black marketing," the letter added.

This directive follows an earlier warning issued by the Ministry on March 27, which highlighted how geopolitical developments in West Asia had disrupted global supply chains. These external factors contributed to a surge in fake news regarding the pricing and availability of petrol, diesel, and LPG on social media platforms, further straining the domestic distribution network.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Interesting to see which states are on the list and which aren't. Communication is key in a crisis, real or perceived. The remaining states need to step up – public trust is at stake.
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Priyanka N
As a homemaker, LPG is essential. Panic buying creates real problems for regular users like us. I appreciate the states doing briefings. Hope others follow. Action against black marketers is most welcome!
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Aman W
While the directive is good, isn't this a bit of passing the buck? The Centre's own messaging on fuel prices has been inconsistent at times. They need to lead with one clear, national narrative, not just ask states to manage local rumours.
K
Karthik V
Social media is the real culprit here. One viral message and the whole city goes into a frenzy. Daily briefings are a solid idea. Transparency is the best way to counter fake news.
M
Meera T
I live in one of the states not on the list. We heard nothing from our local government, only rumours from neighbours. This proactive approach is badly needed. Hope they implement it soon.

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