Patiala, March 11 — The Patiala administration has reassured residents that domestic gas and fuel supplies will continue uninterrupted, urging citizens not to indulge in panic buying or hoarding.
Deputy Commissioner Varjit Walia stated that 290 petrol pumps and 58 gas agencies in the district are operating under strict government guidelines to ensure continuous availability. “There is no need for panic,” Walia said. “Domestic supply remains our priority, and we are taking every step to prevent disruptions.”
Walia made the remarks during a meeting at the District Administrative Complex with representatives from petrol pump associations, gas agencies, and sales officers from IOCL, BPCL, HPCL, and the LPG sector. District Food and Civil Supplies Controller Dr. Ravinder Kaur and other food supply officers were also present. The meeting focused on government measures to secure domestic gas and petrol-diesel supplies.
In line with these measures, the Deputy Commissioner noted that gas allocation for commercial purposes has been temporarily reduced until March 31 to prioritize domestic use. Medical and educational institutions will continue receiving uninterrupted supply.
Raghav Gupta, representing IOCL, said panic-driven bookings have caused server congestion, leading agencies to limit bookings to the 6 pm–9 am window. “We’ve introduced a 25-day gap for the next booking after the initial one to curb hoarding,” Gupta explained, assuring that supplies remain sufficient.
Walia warned that any attempt at black marketing or hoarding would face strict action. “We urge the public to report any suspicious activity immediately. It is a shared responsibility to maintain stability and prevent misinformation,” he said.
The Deputy Commissioner concluded by appealing for cooperation from residents and agencies alike, stating that rumors regarding supply should not be believed.
