DC prohibits hoarding of essential goods in Patiala

Taking a firm stand against hoarding and black marketing of daily-use commodities, Patiala District Magistrate-cum-Deputy Commissioner Dr Preeti Yadav has invoked the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, and Section 163 of the Bhartiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita Act, 2023, to issue prohibitory orders.

The administration noted that certain traders and stockists were engaging in the unethical stockpiling of food items, fuel, dairy products, fodder and other essential goods, causing artificial price inflation and supply disruptions—particularly affecting weaker sections of society.

To ensure uninterrupted availability and price stability, Dr Yadav has prohibited the hoarding of the following goods: food grains and essential food items, fodder, milk and dairy products, petrol, diesel and other fuels, along with any other daily-use essentials.

She urged citizens to report any instance of hoarding or black marketing to the authorities. Contact details for the district’s Food and Supplies Controller (98760-72078), Animal Husbandry Department (94170-55347), Mandi Board (98152-60721) and Markfed/Milkfed (98558-00145) have been shared for public reporting.

“This order is issued in public interest and will be enforced immediately,” said Dr Yadav, warning that violators will face strict action under relevant laws. She appealed to the public to support efforts to ensure fair distribution of essentials.

Meanwhile, in Fatehgarh Sahib, Deputy Commissioner (DC) Dr Sona Thind and Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Shubham Aggarwal have also appealed to residents to remain calm and not fall prey to rumour mongers or misleading social media posts. They clarified that there is no cause for panic and no need to hoard essential commodities, as sufficient stocks are available in the district.

The appeal fsollows a wave of panic-induced buying, with anxious residents rushing to purchase essential items. The officials emphasised that the district administration is fully prepared to handle any situation. They urged the public to follow government advisories issued from time to time in the public interest and warned that strict legal action would be taken against anyone found spreading false information.