Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Saturday held a virtual meeting with Divisional Commissioners, Inspectors General of Police (IGPs), Collectors and Superintendents of Police (SPs) from his official residence in Raipur to review the availability of petroleum products and gas cylinders across State. The high-level meeting was convened in view of the prevailing global situation, particularly developments in West Asia, to ensure uninterrupted supply and distribution of essential commodities and to prevent any inconvenience to the public.

 

The meeting reviewed the availability, storage and distribution of cooking gas (LPG), petrol, diesel and fertilisers. The potential and use of alternative energy sources were also discussed to ensure long-term energy security. During the meeting, the Chief Minister sought district-wise updates from Collectors regarding the availability of petroleum products and LPG cylinders. Addressing the officers, Chief Minister Sai stated that petroleum products and gas are available in sufficient quantities and urged the public not to pay attention to rumours. He directed officials to take strict action against those attempting to exploit the situation through hoarding or black marketing of essential commodities.

 

He also reviewed the law and order situation and issued instructions to ensure firm action against the spread of rumours and misinformation. Officials were asked to take immediate steps to prevent any attempt to create an artificial crisis. Chief Minister Sai observed that under the far-sighted and sensitive leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the nation had remained united and resilient even during a crisis as severe as COVID-19. He clarified that the present situation is not comparable, but called for continued vigilance. He reassured that there is no shortage of petroleum products, LPG cylinders or fertilisers in the state, and appealed to citizens to refrain from heading rumours. Sai informed that the Prime Minister had held detailed discussions with all the states regarding the West Asia situation and has assured an uninterrupted supply of essential commodities.

 

At the state level, a control room has been established and a high-level committee is continuously monitoring the situation. He directed that similar control rooms be set up in every district, with in-charge Secretaries and Collectors conducting regular reviews. Timely dissemination of factual information to the public was emphasised to counter misinformation and prevent panic. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai issued firm instructions for stringent action against any instances of hoarding or black marketing of essential commodities. Regular monitoring of stock and supply at all petrol pumps and gas agencies was mandated. Officials were directed to work in a spirit of coordination to ensure uninterrupted services to citizens under all circumstances.

 

Chief Secretary Vikas Sheel stated that the state-level control room is actively monitoring the situation. Consumers can report issues related to domestic gas supply, lodge complaints or report black marketing on the toll-free number 1800-233-3663. He directed that this number be widely publicised to ensure timely access to authentic information and prompt grievance redressal. Instructions were also issued to maintain constant vigilance over news related to the supply of gas, petrol and diesel. Misleading reports can create unnecessary fear; hence, such information must be promptly verified and accurate updates shared with the public. Special monitoring of social media and regular communication with media representatives were also emphasised. Chief Secretary Vikas Sheel, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Subodh Kumar Singh, Director General of Police Arun Dev Gautam, Secretary to the Chief Minister Dr Basavraju S., Agriculture Production Commissioner Shahla Nigar, Energy Secretary Dr Rohit Yadav, Food Secretary Reena Baba Saheb Kangale, Industries Secretary Rajat