Ludhiana: Authorities in this city have moved to reassure the public that fuel and gas supplies remain stable, issuing a firm warning against panic buying as rumors of a shortage grip the district.Deputy commissioner Himanshu Jain, following a high-level meeting with petrol station owners and LPG distributors, confirmed that the district holds “adequate stock” of diesel, petrol, and cooking gas. The administration’s intervention follows reports of localized hoarding and artificial shortages driven by public anxiety.“The supply chain is functioning smoothly,” Jain said, urging residents to rely on official communications rather than speculation. “Unnecessary hoarding disrupts the distribution system and creates the very shortages people fear.”To enforce stability, a “high-powered committee” led by additional deputy commissioner Poonam Singh has been established to monitor stock levels and prevent black marketing. The committee, which includes senior police and taxation officials, is tasked with conducting daily audits of fuel reserves and ensuring that domestic gas cylinders are not illegally diverted for commercial use.As part of the crackdown, the local administration has ordered all gas agencies to keep helpline numbers operational and provide offline booking options for residents unable to access digital platforms. Officials warned that strict legal action will be taken against anyone caught spreading misinformation or engaging in the illegal storage of essential fuels.
