Kumar Bahukhandi
IN Short
- Adequate Availability of Petroleum, LPG and Fertilisers Assured; Citizens Advised Should Avoid Rumours
- Strict Action Ordered Against Hoarding and Black Marketing
- State-Level Control Room Instituted; Dial 1800-233-3663 for Verified Information
Raipur: Considering the circumstances unfolding in West Asia, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai todayon Saturday March 28, 2026 chaired a high-level review meeting via video conferencing from his Residence Office in Raipur.
The meeting was attended by all Divisional Commissioners, Inspectors General of Police, District Collectors and Superintendents of Police across the state. A comprehensive review of the availability and supply of petroleum products, LPG cylinders, fertilisers and other essential commodities was undertaken. At the meeting, Chief Minister issued detailed directives to ensure seamless public access.
Chief Minister Sai observed that under the far-sighted and sensitive leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the nation had remained united and resilient even during a crisis as severe as COVID-19. He clarified that the present situation is not comparable, but called for continued vigilance. He reassured that there is no shortage of petroleum products, LPG cylinders or fertilisers in the state, and appealed to citizens to refrain from heading rumours.
CM Sai informed that the Prime Minister has held detailed discussions with all the states regarding the West Asia situation and has assured an uninterrupted supply of essential commodities. At the state level, a control room has been established and a high-level committee is continuously monitoring the situation.
He directed that similar control rooms be set up in every district, with in-charge Secretaries and Collectors conducting regular reviews. Timely dissemination of factual information to the public was emphasised to counter misinformation and prevent panic.
Strict Measures Against Hoarding and Black Marketing
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai issued firm instructions for stringent action against any instances of hoarding or black marketing of essential commodities. Regular monitoring of stock and supply at all petrol pumps and gas agencies was mandated. Officials were directed to work in a spirit of coordination to ensure uninterrupted services to citizens under all circumstances.
At the meeting, officials from HPCL, BPCL and IOCL informed that there is no shortage of petroleum products or LPG in the state, and supplies are continuing normally. Online booking of LPG cylinders is functioning smoothly. The booking period for Ujjwala gas connections is 45 days, while for general connections it is 25 days, with bookings being processed accordingly. There are no disruptions in transportation of petroleum products, and the situation remains normal across the state.
Chief Secretary Vikas Sheel stated that the state-level control room is actively monitoring the situation. Consumers can report issues related to domestic gas supply, lodge complaints or report black marketing on the toll-free number 1800-233-3663. He directed that this number be widely publicised to ensure timely access to authentic information and prompt grievance redressal.
Instructions were also issued to maintain constant vigilance over news related to the supply of gas, petrol and diesel. Misleading reports can create unnecessary fear; hence, such information must be promptly verified and accurate updates shared with the public. Special monitoring of social media and regular communication with media representatives were also emphasised.
Adequate Fertiliser Supply; Farmers to Receive Timely Distribution
During the video conference, officials confirmed that there is no shortage of fertilisers in the state. Chief Minister Sai directed that hoarding of fertilisers be strictly prevented and daily stock positions be regularly reviewed. Ensuring equitable distribution to all farmers based on their requirements was stressed. Information was also shared regarding software-based monitoring systems to enhance transparency and efficiency in fertiliser distribution.
Ensuring Uninterrupted Gas Supply to Essential Institutions
Chief Minister Sai directed that uninterrupted gas supply be ensured to hospitals, hostels, educational institutions, Indian Railways, Government of India establishments, defence and paramilitary forces, institutions run by the Social Welfare Department, and airport canteens.
Statewide Enforcement Action: 3,841 Cylinders Seized, 97 FIRs Registered
It was informed in the meeting that raids were conducted at 335 locations across the state, with no confirmed cases of black marketing detected. However, acting on inputs regarding hoarding, authorities seized 3,841 LPG cylinders and registered 97 FIRs.
Chief Minister Sai further directed heightened vigilance at border check posts. Monitoring of the movement of LPG cylinders and petrol-diesel vehicles was ordered. It was also instructed that petrol and diesel should not be supplied to the general public in containers. Such supply should be restricted only to authorised mobile towers and essential establishments operating gensets.
Among those present at the Chief Minister’s Office were Chief Secretary Vikas Sheel; Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Subodh Kumar Singh; Director General of Police Arun Dev Gautam; Secretary to the Chief Minister Dr Basavaraju S; Agriculture Production Commissioner Shehla Nigar; Secretary, Energy Department, Dr Rohit Yadav; Secretary, Food Department, Rina Baba Saheb Kangale; Secretary, Industries, Rajat Kumar; along with officials from IOCL, BPCL and HPCL representing petroleum, diesel and gas divisions.
