Tiruchirappalli (Tamil Nadu), Mar 11: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday appealed to the people not to pay attention to rumours or panic in the wake of the LPG supply disruption caused by the ongoing conflict in West Asia, and urged that only verified information be disseminated.
The PM’s comments come in the wake of the commercial LPG short supply that has affected the hotel industry across the country and opposition criticism over the issue and also amidst fears of a possible shortage of or spurt in prices of petrol and diesel in the coming days.
Addressing a mega NDA poll rally here, the PM also slammed the DMK rule in Tamil Nadu and said that people wanted a government that worked for every family, and not just for one family.
“I would like to appeal to people, let us only spread correct, verified information,” he said, apparently referring to the LPG crisis triggered by the supply disruption due to the conflict between US-Israel and Iran that has affected the Gulf region.
The conflict has affected whole world’s energy supply chain, he said.
“There is no need to panic or pay attention to rumours,” he said.
“In any situation, we have seen how our government always puts interests of India above everything.”
He said he was confident that as a nation, “we will navigate every situation successfully.”
Sharpening his attack against the DMK, he said, “In DMK rule, everything starts and ends with one family…”
“In 2021, people of TN brought DMK to power; and instead of taking it as a responsibility, they have betrayed the mandate.”
People know that NDA could bring change in Tamil Nadu, the Prime Minister said, addressing the massive rally of the opposition bloc, here, the third one for the state since January 23.
The AIADMK heads the National Democratic Alliance in Tamil Nadu and its constituents include the BJP, PMK and AMMK.
Further, just like all rivers go to sea, all corrupt money in the state goes to one family, he said, targeting the DMK regime. The Dravidian party was infamous for its “scientific corruption model,” he alleged.
No shortage of fuel in J&K: Satish
Warns black marketers of stringent legal action
Jammu Tawi, Mar 11: Warning black marketers and hoarders of dire consequences, Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs (FCS&CA), Satish Sharma, on Wednesday urged residents of Jammu & Kashmir to stay calm as there is no shortage of fuel in the Union Territory.
Speaking to reporters here, Minister Sharma assured the public that petroleum and LPG supplies are adequate across the region. He said the government is closely monitoring all fuel stations and LPG outlets and anyone found hoarding or indulging in black marketing will face stringent legal action.
Earlier in the day, Sharma chaired a high-level meeting to review the stock position and supply of petroleum products, including petrol, diesel, kerosene and LPG, in view of ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. The meeting was attended by Commissioner/Secretary FCS&CA Saurabh Bhagat, Directors of FCS&CA Jammu and Kashmir Rifat Kohli and Dr. Sagar Dattaraya, representatives from major oil marketing companies including Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) and officials from Legal Metrology, finance and distribution wings.
During the meeting, further Sharma reviewed stock levels, operational status of fuel depots and LPG bottling plants, and the supply chain mechanism to ensure uninterrupted availability of fuel to consumers.
He stressed maintaining buffer stocks, strengthening coordination with oil companies and proactive planning to address potential supply disruptions.
Reassuring the public, the minister said the administration is fully vigilant and committed to safeguarding consumer interests.
He also directed officials to maintain strict vigil against hoarding, black marketing and overcharging, instructing Legal Metrology and enforcement teams to intensify inspections at fuel stations and LPG outlets to ensure compliance with regulations.
Highlighting the global nature of energy markets, Sharma drew parallels with past disruptions in the Gulf and appealed to citizens not to panic. “In this era, we are a global village. Vigilance and reason must prevail,” he said, reiterating the government’s commitment, under Omar Abdullah’s leadership, to peace, prosperity and communal harmony.
He further urged the public to report any irregularities, assuring swift action against offenders and uninterrupted supply of essential fuels throughout Jammu and Kashmir.
