Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday said there is no shortage of LPG in the country and accused the Congress of misleading people by spreading confusion about fuel availability, reported news agency ANI.
Speaking to reporters, Fadnavis said that both the central government and oil companies have repeatedly clarified that LPG supplies remain adequate.
“Whether it is Maharashtra or the entire country, there is no shortage of LPG anywhere. The central government, secretaries and companies have continuously stated this, but deliberately Congress and its leaders are creating confusion among the people and making them stand in queues,” Fadnavis said, reported ANI.
He added that citizens should not panic or rush to book LPG cylinders unnecessarily.
“There is no need to stand in queues. Congress should stop misleading the country,” the chief minister said, reported ANI.
Concerns over LPG supply amid West Asia conflict
The debate over LPG availability comes amid global energy supply disruptions triggered by the ongoing conflict in West Asia.
The situation has raised concerns about energy supplies worldwide, particularly due to developments around the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial route through which a significant portion of global oil and gas shipments passes.
India depends heavily on imports for its energy requirements, including crude oil and liquefied petroleum gas.
Government says fuel supply remains stable
Amid the concerns, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has said that the country has sufficient crude oil supplies and that refineries are operating at full capacity, reported ANI.
Addressing an inter-ministerial briefing, Sujata Sharma said there have been no reports of fuel shortages at petrol pumps across the country.
“As far as crude oil and refineries are concerned, we have sufficient supply of crude and our refineries are operating at full capacity. Adequate petrol and diesel are available and there have been no reports of dry-outs at retail outlets,” she said, reported ANI.
Panic booking of LPG cylinders reported
Sharma also highlighted a sharp increase in LPG bookings, which she described as panic-driven rather than caused by any actual supply shortage, reported ANI.
According to the ministry, LPG bookings recently rose from around 7.5–7.6 million per day to nearly 8.8 million, indicating a surge in demand triggered by public anxiety.
The official urged citizens to avoid unnecessary bookings and only place orders when required.
“I appeal to citizens not to engage in panic booking and to book cylinders only when there is an actual need. This will help ensure smooth supply for everyone,” Sharma said, reported ANI.
(With inputs from ANI)
