Prime Minister Modi on Monday called on state governments to take strict action against black marketing and hoarding of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), warning that attempts to exploit the ongoing global energy crisis must be addressed with immediate enforcement measures.
Addressing the Lok Sabha, the Prime Minister said law enforcement and regulatory agencies have been placed on heightened alert to prevent misuse of the situation, as reports of LPG hoarding and illegal trade increase across the country.
According to the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, authorities conducted around 3,500 raids nationwide as of Saturday, leading to the seizure of more than 1,200 gas cylinders. The enforcement actions were reported across multiple states, including Bihar, Haryana, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh.
The developments come against the backdrop of an escalating global energy crisis linked to tensions in West Asia, which has raised concerns over fuel availability and pricing stability. The Prime Minister cautioned that such crises often lead to opportunistic behaviour, with certain elements attempting to take undue advantage of supply uncertainties.
He said security preparedness has been intensified across sectors, including coastal, border, cyber and strategic infrastructure, to ensure stability during the evolving situation. He emphasised that maintaining order and preventing misinformation would be critical in the current context.
Referring to past challenges, the Prime Minister drew parallels with the Covid-19 pandemic, stating that the country must approach the present situation with similar unity and preparedness. He said the global situation is likely to remain difficult for an extended period and called for patience, restraint and collective responsibility.
He also warned against the spread of misinformation, noting that false narratives could aggravate public anxiety and disrupt supply systems. He urged authorities to remain vigilant and act decisively against any attempts to manipulate markets or create artificial shortages.
Calling for coordinated action, the Prime Minister appealed to all state governments to strengthen monitoring mechanisms and respond swiftly to complaints of hoarding or black marketing. He said strict enforcement at the local level would be essential to ensure that essential commodities remain accessible to the public.
Officials indicated that enforcement agencies are continuing surveillance and inspections to prevent irregularities in LPG distribution. The focus remains on maintaining supply chain integrity and ensuring that consumers are not affected by unlawful practices.
The statement underscores the government’s concern over the potential impact of global energy disruptions on domestic supply systems, particularly for essential fuels like LPG, which are widely used for cooking across households.
The Prime Minister reiterated that collective action by governments and citizens would be necessary to manage the situation effectively and prevent exploitation during the crisis.
