Chandigarh, April 21
Amid concerns regarding fuel availability, Ashutosh Gupta, Executive Director and State Head, IOCL Punjab State Office, and State Level Coordinator for the Oil Industry in Punjab, addressed a press conference in Chandigarh, reassuring residents that the supply of petroleum products and LPG across the Union Territory remains stable and adequate. He emphasized that there is no disruption in supply and urged consumers to avoid panic-driven behavior.
Sushant Kumar, State Level Coordinator (SLC), Chandigarh, and Shri Parmeshwar, LPG In-charge for Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, and Ladakh, were also present during the conference. Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) reiterated that the supply of petroleum products and LPG across Chandigarh UT remains stable and sufficient to meet current demand. The stock position of Motor Spirit (MS) and High-Speed Diesel (HSD) is normal across the UT, Ashutosh Gupta stated. OMC depots are maintaining healthy inventory levels, while retail outlets have adequate stock to ensure uninterrupted sales. There is no cause for concern regarding the availability of automotive fuels.
India’s LPG supply continues to remain stable and is being closely monitored to ensure uninterrupted delivery to domestic consumers, despite ongoing geopolitical developments impacting global energy markets. Domestic LPG has been accorded the highest priority. Oil Marketing Companies have maintained uninterrupted LPG supply to households across Chandigarh UT, with cylinder deliveries continuing broadly in line with pre-crisis levels. Customers are encouraged to use digital modes such as SMS and IVRS for booking refills. Presently, around 89.4% of bookings are received through digital modes, Shri Sushant Kumar informed, adding that Delivery Authentication Codes (DAC-OTP) are being used to ensure delivery to genuine customers. The DAC compliance level currently stands at 87.34%.
Additionally, Ashutosh Gupta shared comparative data for neighboring states. In Punjab, around 94% of LPG bookings are received through digital modes, with DAC compliance at approximately 91%. In Himachal Pradesh, about 91% of bookings are made digitally, while DAC compliance stands at approximately 85%, ensuring delivery to genuine consumers. Some concerns have been raised on social media in the current situation, and immediate responses are being provided to address genuine issues. Relevant information and updates are being regularly shared through official communication channels for the benefit of customers.
Complaints regarding malpractices by certain LPG distributors have also been reported through social media and direct customer feedback. To curb black marketing and hoarding, multiple cross-functional teams have been constituted to conduct surprise inspections of LPG distributorships across Chandigarh UT. Strict action is being taken against errant distributors. In addition, data analysis of various performance parameters of LPG distributorships is being undertaken, which also serves as the basis for targeted inspections. OMCs are working closely with the UT Administration of Chandigarh to prevent malpractice and curb hoarding, with multiple enforcement raids already conducted.
Customers are advised to avoid panic booking or hoarding of LPG cylinders, refrain from believing rumours, and rely only on official sources of information. At present, LPG supply remains normal and stable, with no shortage. Consumers are requested not to queue at LPG distributorships, as there is no need for panic booking or stocking of cylinders. To further support demand, commercial LPG allocation has been increased to approximately 70% of pre-crisis levels. Additional measures include doubling the allocation of 5 kg Free Trade LPG (FTL) cylinders to support migrant labourers and other vulnerable sections. Oil Marketing Companies reaffirm their commitment to ensuring seamless LPG availability, maintaining transparency in distribution, and enforcing strict measures against malpractices.
