Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said Saturday there is no shortage of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) in India and accused the opposition Indian National Congress of creating confusion that has led to panic among consumers. Speaking to reporters, Fadnavis said both the central government and energy companies have repeatedly assured the public that supplies remain adequate. He urged people not to rush to distribution centers or stand in long queues.
“Whether it is Maharashtra or the country, there is no shortage of LPG anywhere. The central government, officials, and companies have repeatedly clarified this. However, the Congress Party and its leaders are deliberately spreading confusion and fear among people and making them stand in queues," CM said as quoted by IANS.
"It is like when a rumor spreads about a bank that people will not get their money, then everyone rushes to withdraw cash. In the same way, they are trying to create a situation of fear by telling people that they will not get LPG and that they should stand in queues. There is no need for people to stand in queues. Congress should stop trying to mislead the people of the country,” Fadnavis added.
Concerns over LPG availability have surfaced across parts of India amid tensions in the Middle East that have affected energy supply chains. In several areas, consumers reported delays in receiving cylinders despite booking them in advance, leading to long queues outside gas agencies. Residents in multiple cities across Maharashtra have been seen lining up outside gas distribution centers from early morning in an attempt to secure cylinders.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation has reportedly increased the use of electric stoves in its canteens, while the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) West Zone directed catering units to adopt alternatives such as induction stoves and microwaves.
Officials from the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas said India currently has sufficient crude oil supplies and that refineries across the country are operating at full capacity. Sujata Sharma, joint secretary for marketing and oil refineries at the ministry, said there have been no reports of shortages at retail fuel outlets.
"As far as crude oil and refineries are concerned, we have a sufficient supply of crude and our refineries are operating at full capacity. There have been no reports of any dry-out at retail outlets. Adequate petrol and diesel are available," she said.
Sharma added that while there is no immediate shortage of LPG, the government is monitoring the situation closely due to the geopolitical developments in West Asia.
She also warned that a sharp increase in LPG bookings appeared to be driven by panic rather than actual demand.
“Yesterday bookings were around 7.5 to 7.6 million, and now that number has increased to almost 8.8 million,” Sharma said. “This is nothing but panic booking.”
She appealed to consumers to avoid unnecessary bookings and to order cylinders only when needed to ensure smooth distribution across the country.