Patiala, March 11 —On circulating fears of shortages, Patiala Deputy Commissioner Varjit Walia has assured the public that both petrol-diesel and domestic gas supplies will continue without interruption. He appealed to citizens to refrain from panic purchases.
Speaking at the District Administrative Complex during a meeting with petrol pump owners, gas agency representatives, and sales officers from IOCL, BPCL, HPCL, and LPG providers, Walia stressed the importance of public cooperation. “No rumors should be spread or believed regarding supply shortages,” he stated.
The Deputy Commissioner outlined the district’s infrastructure: 290 petrol pumps and 58 gas agencies are in operation, all monitored to guarantee steady distribution. Domestic consumption is prioritized, while commercial gas supply has been temporarily reduced until March 31. Critical services, including medical and educational institutions, will remain fully supplied.
IOCL’s Raghav Gupta described challenges caused by panic bookings. “Customers are booking gas continuously, which jams our servers. Bookings are now open from 6 pm to 9 am, and a 25-day interval is required between bookings to discourage hoarding,” he said, reassuring residents that supplies are sufficient.
Walia warned that individuals attempting to exploit the situation through black marketing or hoarding would face strict enforcement. He encouraged citizens to report any violations promptly. “We must all work together to prevent mistrust and keep the situation under control,” he added.
Concluding his appeal, the Deputy Commissioner reaffirmed that authorities are taking all necessary measures to ensure uninterrupted fuel and gas supplies and reiterated that unnecessary panic buying is unwarranted.
