Chandigarh invokes strict laws to curb hoarding, black marketing of fuel, LPG
Order issued after the administration received reports that certain individuals, traders and entities were allegedly involved in hoarding, black marketing and stockpiling of petrol, diesel, CNG and LPG
To prevent hoarding and black marketing of fuel and LPG, Chandigarh District Magistrate Nishant Kumar Yadav today issued an order under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, directing strict monitoring of the supply and distribution of essential petroleum products in the Union Territory.
The order was issued after the administration received reports that certain individuals, traders and entities were allegedly involved in hoarding, black marketing and stockpiling of petrol, diesel, CNG and LPG, leading to artificial scarcity and abnormal price increases in the market.
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Officials said such activities could create law-and-order issues and disrupt the smooth supply of essential commodities. To safeguard public interest and maintain uninterrupted availability of fuel and LPG, the District Magistrate exercised powers under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, and the BNSS to impose stricter controls.
Under the order, the authorities have been directed to ensure that domestic LPG cylinders are not diverted for commercial purposes, and that double stocking and overcharging by dealers do not occur under any circumstances. Oil marketing companies (OMCs) have also been instructed to provide daily updates on LPG stock and supply to the Department of Food and Supplies, Chandigarh.
The administration has further directed that information be widely publicised through newspapers and other media platforms to clarify that there is no shortage of petrol, diesel, CNG or LPG, in order to prevent panic buying.
To keep a check on the situation, officials have been asked to maintain close surveillance on supply chains, stock positions and retail prices. LPG dealers have also been advised to maintain adequate stocks to meet consumer demand.
The order emphasises that hospitals, educational institutions and government establishments serving vulnerable sections must be provided with uninterrupted supply of LPG, PNG and other petroleum products.
A control room has been set up at the Department of Food and Supplies and Legal Metrology in Sector 17 to monitor the situation and address public grievances. Sumit Jindal, Inspector, Food and Supplies Department, has been appointed as the nodal officer to handle complaints related to hoarding and black marketing of fuel and LPG.
Citizens have been urged to report any such instances to the department at 0172-2703956.
The order has come into effect from midnight of March 17, 2026, and will remain in force until April 16, 2026. The authorities warned that any violation of the order would invite strict action under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and other relevant legal provisions.
