Prayagraj District Magistrate Takes Proactive Measures to Ensure Fuel Supply Amid Rumors
In response to widespread rumors circulating on social media and other channels about potential fuel shortages due to the ongoing West Asia conflict, district magistrate Manish Kumar Verma convened a crucial meeting with officials on Thursday. The primary objective was to guarantee the uninterrupted supply of LPG, petrol, and diesel across the district.
Control Room Established for Public Complaints
To address public concerns and maintain transparency, a dedicated control room has been operationalized at the district supply office. Residents can report any issues related to fuel availability by contacting the following numbers: 8299632748, 7388036037, 8126271301, 8853522200, 9956591463, and 8299033086. District magistrate Verma has issued strict directives to officials, emphasizing the prompt resolution of all complaints received through this channel.
Crackdown on Hoarding and Black-Marketing
Verma has instructed officials to maintain constant vigilance over the sale of fuel and LPG to prevent unauthorized hoarding, stockpiling, or black-marketing activities. He has also mandated the identification of individuals spreading false rumors, with appropriate legal and punitive actions to be initiated against them. This includes coordination with police authorities to provide adequate security at petrol pumps and LPG showrooms, where crowds have been gathering due to panic.
Enhanced Patrols and Legal Enforcement
The additional district magistrate for civil supplies, district supply officer, and sales officers for LPG, petrol, and diesel have been tasked with remaining on constant patrol. Their role is to ensure that any instances of black marketing or hoarding are swiftly addressed. Punitive measures will involve registering cases under Sections 3 and 7 of the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, as well as relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
Sales officers have been specifically directed to monitor stock levels at petrol pumps closely. In situations where demand exceeds supply, they must ensure an uninterrupted supply from terminals. Supply levels for petrol and diesel are to be maintained in accordance with prevailing demand to avoid any disruptions.
Officials Address Unnecessary Panic
According to the district supply officer and sales officers for diesel and petrol, fuel stations are experiencing unnecessary overcrowding. This surge in demand is attributed to misleading propaganda and rumors on social media. However, they have confirmed that the supply of petrol and diesel is being effectively managed across all 368 petrol pumps in the district.
As of Thursday, the opening stock at these pumps was approximately 65 lakh litres of diesel and petrol, with deliveries from the previous day totaling 18 lakh litres. Officials assert that this stock is adequate to meet current demand. Similarly, the supply of LPG cylinders through the district's 144 gas agencies is proceeding smoothly, with no reported shortages in the district.
