Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Food and Civil Supplies Minister Manoj Kumar Pandey has issued a stern warning to petroleum companies and fuel distributors, declaring that any attempt to deprive consumers of their rightful access to petroleum products will not be tolerated. The minister emphasized that the state government is committed to protecting consumer interests and ensuring complete transparency in the distribution of fuel and cooking gas across the state.
Chairing a high-level review meeting at Bapu Bhawan in Lucknow, Pandey met with senior officials of petroleum companies, the Food and Civil Supplies Department, and other concerned authorities to assess the availability of petroleum products, streamline distribution systems, and strengthen consumer protection mechanisms.
During the meeting, the minister expressed serious concern over reports of hoarding and black marketing of petrol and diesel in districts bordering Nepal and Bihar. He noted that complaints had been received regarding genuine consumers being denied fuel while stocks were allegedly diverted and sold at higher prices in neighboring states and border areas for illegal profits.
Calling such practices unacceptable, Pandey directed petroleum companies and District Supply Officers to immediately investigate all complaints and take stringent action against those found guilty. He made it clear that hoarding, artificial shortages, short delivery of fuel, and any form of malpractice at petrol pumps would invite strict punitive measures. The minister also instructed authorities to conduct regular inspection drives across all districts to maintain transparency and accountability in fuel distribution.
The review meeting also focused on the expansion of Piped Natural Gas (PNG) services in Uttar Pradesh. The minister noted that around 1,500 new PNG connections are currently being provided daily but stressed that the pace needs to be accelerated to meet the growing demand. He directed the concerned companies to expand the PNG network rapidly and ensure that more households benefit from the cleaner and more convenient fuel source.
Taking a tough stand against the black marketing of domestic LPG cylinders, Pandey ordered that no gas refill should be provided without proper e-KYC verification. He further instructed that refilling must not be carried out without mandatory verification procedures and the required approvals. According to the minister, these measures will help curb fake connections, unauthorized usage, and illegal diversion of subsidized cooking gas.
The minister also directed LPG agencies to ensure 100 percent home delivery to eligible consumers and prevent any inconvenience to the public. He reiterated that providing transparent, efficient, and reliable services to consumers remains a top priority of the state government.
Concluding the meeting with a strong warning, Pandey said that petrol pumps, gas agencies, or officials found compromising consumer interests would face strict action. He emphasized that the Uttar Pradesh government follows a zero-tolerance policy against hoarding, black marketing, fuel adulteration, short delivery, and other irregularities, and that the harshest possible action would be taken against violators.
The meeting was attended by Principal Secretary, Food and Civil Supplies Ranveer Prasad, Additional Commissioners Kamta Prasad Singh and Satyadev, along with senior representatives of Indian Oil, BPCL, LPG distribution companies, and other departmental officials.
