Govt tightens monitoring of LPG, CNG and PNG supply

The Delhi Government has directed strict monitoring of LPG, CNG, and PNG supplies across the national capital and ordered daily reporting from oil and gas companies amid concerns over disruptions in the global energy supply chain. The decision was taken during a high-level meeting chaired by the Chief Secretary of Delhi at the Delhi Secretariat on March 11 to review the availability of LPG, oil, CNG, and PNG in the National Capital Territory.

The meeting was attended by senior officials from the Department of Food, Supplies, and Consumer Affairs, Delhi Police, the Revenue Department, oil marketing companies, and Indraprastha Gas Limited. Among those present were Additional Chief Secretary-cum-Commissioner (Food and Supplies) Prashant Goyal, Secretary (DIP) Vikas Anand, and District Magistrate (New Delhi) Sunny Kumar Singh. Apart from that, senior police officials of Delhi Police, DGM of HPCL Akhilesh Jha, Vice Chairman of IGL Vikas Bansal, among many other senior officials of various energy sector enterprises, are also present in the meeting.

The Chief Secretary said that although disruptions have been reported in international energy supply chains, the Government of India is taking several steps to manage the situation. These measures include arranging alternative supplies, increasing domestic production, and reordering priorities for distribution based on public interest.

He stressed the importance of clear communication with the public to prevent rumours, panic, or misinformation regarding fuel availability. Officials were asked to regularly reassure residents about stock availability and normal replenishment of supplies after verifying the situation with oil and gas companies.

During the meeting, several decisions were taken to strengthen monitoring and ensure a smooth supply of fuel in the capital. Oil and gas marketing companies were directed to provide daily reports on supply levels, stock availability, and replenishment schedules in a format prescribed by the Food and Supplies Department. A mobile phone communication group involving all concerned officers and agencies will also be formed to enable faster communication and quick resolution of critical issues.

The Department of Food, Supplies, and Consumer Affairs was asked to closely monitor the situation and coordinate with all departments and agencies, including the police. Field officers will be deployed extensively to keep watch on LPG supply centres, replenishment facilities, and godowns to assist oil and gas companies in streamlining the booking and delivery process. They will also conduct surprise inspections to check hoarding, black marketing, or diversion of domestic LPG cylinders for commercial use.

The Delhi Police and the Revenue Department have been directed to maintain strict surveillance on such activities and take strong action if violations are detected. Officials were also asked to collect intelligence inputs related to hoarding or illegal trading of LPG cylinders and take preventive action where necessary.

The Food and Supplies Department will examine whether provisions for preventive detention have been properly notified and may take such action if required to stop activities that disrupt the supply of essential commodities. Authorities will also promote PNG connections in areas where the pipeline network is already available to reduce dependence on LPG cylinders.

To counter rumours, the Food and Supplies Department will issue daily press releases on the availability of LPG, oil, CNG, and PNG in Delhi. Officials said the police, intelligence, and revenue departments will closely monitor social media and respond quickly to any misleading information that could lead to panic buying.

The meeting also decided that if any serious issue arises, it may be escalated to the Committee of Executive Directors of oil marketing companies for immediate resolution. Officials further said a plan may be prepared for rationalised use of commercial LPG in Delhi based on sector-specific needs if additional quotas are allocated by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.

The Chief Secretary also directed that call centres, IVRS systems, electronic booking services, SMS facilities, helplines and chatbots of oil and gas companies must function smoothly without disruption.

Police and revenue department control rooms will remain operational round the clock, staffed by senior officers to ensure quick response to any situation.

Authorities were also asked to ensure adequate security and protection for oil and gas companies at their godowns, showrooms, transportation networks, and distribution systems if required.

In addition, the Delhi Power Department has been asked to take up the matter with the Ministry of Power and the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas to ensure an uninterrupted supply of gas to power plants generating electricity for the city.