Chandigarh: Amid concerns over LPG supply, deputy commissioner Nishant Kumar Yadav on Tuesday directed that police personnel be deployed at gas agencies to ensure orderly distribution and prevent any untoward situation. Teams under the district food & supply officers have also been formed to visit LPG agencies and assess real-time stock levels across the city.The directions were issued during a meeting chaired by the DC with key stakeholders to discuss measures to curb hoarding and maintain smooth availability of essential commodities in light of recent geopolitical disturbances in West Asia.The meeting was attended by officials of the Food and Supplies Department, representatives of market associations, consumer organisations, and leading traders and wholesalers.The DC flagged the potential impact of the prevailing West Asia situation on supply chains and prices of essential goods, emphasising the need for heightened vigilance to prevent artificial shortages and unjustified price hikes. Stakeholders were instructed to strictly comply with anti-hoarding rules and cooperate fully with the administration to ensure fair trade practices.It was also decided to put in place a coordinated mechanism for regular market inspections, real-time monitoring of stock positions, and swift action in case of abnormal price spikes or supply disruptions.Representatives of oil marketing companies informed the administration that gas agencies have temporarily stopped accepting fresh bookings within 30 days of a previous refill for consumers holding double LPG connections. The step, they said, is aimed at ensuring equitable distribution.Traders and wholesalers were advised to maintain transparency in stock declaration, supply, and pricing so that consumer interests remain protected.Appealing to residents not to indulge in panic buying, the DC assured that adequate stocks of essential commodities are available and said the administration is closely monitoring the situation to ensure an uninterrupted supply chain.
