Gujarat Government Denies Fuel Shortage, Vows Action Against Hoarding
In a special discussion at the Gujarat Legislative Assembly, energy and petrochemicals minister Rushikesh Patel addressed concerns over fuel supply, firmly stating that there is no shortage of petrol, diesel, or cooking gas in the state. The minister cautioned that strict measures will be implemented against any attempts at hoarding or creating artificial scarcity.
Rumours Blamed for Panic Buying at Fuel Stations
Patel explained that the long queues observed at fuel stations across various parts of Gujarat were a result of rumours rather than an actual deficit in supply. He reassured the public that adequate steps have been taken to ensure a continuous and stable flow of fuel to all petrol pumps. According to the minister, fuel pumps have been selling nearly four to five times their normal daily volumes over the past couple of days due to panic buying, yet the supply chain has remained robust, indicating sufficient buffer stocks in the state.
Measures to Prevent Mismanagement and Hoarding
To curb mismanagement, fuel stations have been directed to fill petrol and diesel directly into vehicle tanks only. Sales in containers are permitted exclusively for farmers and mobile towers to prevent hoarding. Patel emphasized that any individual found hoarding fuel or spreading false information will face legal action. In a specific instance, an FIR was lodged against a petrol pump owner in Rajkot for allegedly propagating rumours about shortages.
LPG and PNG Supply Remains Stable Amid Global Disruptions
Addressing concerns about cooking gas, Patel highlighted that despite global disruptions caused by the West Asia crisis, the state is well-prepared with its LPG and PNG networks. Gujarat boasts an extensive PNG network serving nearly 37 lakh domestic consumers, with about 12,000 new connections registered in the past 12 days. The government is prioritizing connections for households, hotels, hospitals, canteens, and educational institutions. No cuts have been made in domestic LPG supply, and police have been instructed to ensure the unhindered movement of LPG transport vehicles, with continuous checks conducted statewide to prevent hoarding.
Opposition Raises Concerns Over Ground Realities
Congress MLA Shailesh Parmar countered the government's assurances, claiming that people on the ground, including small businesses and those dependent on commercial gas, are experiencing difficulties despite the stated sufficiency of stocks. In response, Patel affirmed that the state government is working in close coordination with the central government to ensure a sustained and reliable fuel supply for all sectors.
