LUCKNOW: CM Yogi Adityanath on Thursday reviewed the situation regarding the availability of cooking gas, or LPG, in UP and directed officials to ensure that its supply continued uninterrupted. He gave strict orders to crack down on rumour-mongering regarding shortages of supply and said no panic situation should be allowed to develop.The CM held a meeting with senior executives of oil and gas companies and took an assessment of the demand and supply of LPG in UP.“An artificial shortage should not be allowed to arise at any level, and consumers who book LPG should be ensured timely supply of cylinders, in accordance with the prescribed rules,” he said.Additionally, consumers should also be provided adequate information regarding the probable date of their next refill.”In an attempt to dispel concerns regarding a shortage of gas, the CM said that the situation is not as serious as some are attempting to make it seem. He asked oil companies to keep the general public informed about the actual status of LPG supply and distribution, and to work in coordination with the administration. The CM highlighted that the central govt is also making necessary efforts to maintain normalcy in the supply and distribution system.Warning against any artificial shortages, the CM said that if any distributor or private individual is found hoarding or blackmarketing LPG, an FIR should be immediately registered against them and the strictest possible action should be taken. He suggested that, if required, police personnel should be deployed at LPG distribution centres to prevent any chaos and disorder, and to ensure that distribution work takes place smoothly.Officials told the CM that the supply of petrol and diesel in the state is completely normal and there is no shortage of any kind in their distribution. Due to the ongoing situation, an additional 80 lakh litres of kerosene was allocated to the state. The CM said that kerosene should be kept as an alternative and its appropriate distribution should be ensured as per requirement.He also directed officials to encourage hostels, dharamshalas, hospitals, hotels and various commercial establishments to use alternate fuels. A control room will be set up in the food and civil supplies department to monitor the situation in each district. The district magistrate, superintendent of police, district supply officer, and local representatives of oil companies should ensure proper supply and distribution of LPG through mutual coordination, the CM added.
