Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.
| Photo Credit: ANI
Amid the ongoing war between the U.S.-Israel and Iran, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Thursday (March 12, 2026) said that tensions in the Gulf countries have led to rumours spreading rapidly across India about a possible liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) shortage, creating unnecessary concern among the public.
“Rumours are being spread about a shortage of LPG cylinders due to the war in Gulf countries. The Punjab Government is fully alert and monitoring the situation closely,” he said.
‘Will act’
Cautioning against attempts to exploit the situation, the Chief Minister said the government will act firmly against anyone trying to create panic or manipulate the supply of essential goods. “If anyone tries to mislead people by hoarding essential goods or spreading rumours about shortages, the severest exemplary action will be taken,” he said.
Mr. Mann added that he has raised the matter with the Union government to ensure that adequate supply of LPG cylinders is maintained so that common people do not face inconvenience in the coming days.
The Congress party, meanwhile, hit out at the AAP government, seeking clarification on the issue of the supply of cooking gas across the State.
Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring alleged that gas supply crisis has hit both commercial and domestic consumers, with households also going without supplies for the last few days.
“We are staring at a serious problem when people may not be able to light their gas stoves and cook their food, while the government seems to be completely unmindful and unconcerned about it,” he warned.
Separately, Haryana Minister of State for Food and Civil Supplies Rajesh Nagar said currently, the supply of petrol, diesel and domestic LPG across Haryana is running smoothly and major oil companies – Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) have adequate stock available.
He said there has been a temporary disruption in the supply of commercial cylinders, which will also be resolved soon.
Published – March 13, 2026 06:49 am IST
