Haryana CM Assures No Fuel Shortage Amid Panic Buying, Announces PNG Policy Relief

Amid reports of long queues at petrol pumps and rising public anxiety, Nayab Singh Saini has stepped in to calm concerns, stating clearly that there is no shortage of petrol, diesel, or LPG in Haryana.

Addressing a press conference in Chandigarh, the Chief Minister said the current situation is being driven more by panic buying than any actual supply disruption.

“Supply Is Stable, Panic Is the Problem”

According to the government, Haryana currently has over 4,000 petrol pumps operational, with steady daily sales of fuel. LPG supply is also consistent, with around 2 lakh cylinders reaching the state every day and nearly 1.9 lakh being distributed.

The CM emphasised that essential services — including hospitals, schools, and other institutions — are being prioritised, and there is adequate stock of commercial cylinders as well.

Crackdown on Hoarding and Black Marketing

The government has also taken a strict stance against those trying to exploit the situation. 

So far: 

8 FIRs have been registered

Over 900 gas cylinders have been seized

Saini made it clear that any attempt to hoard fuel or engage in black marketing will invite strict legal action. 

Policy Push to Expand PNG Access

Alongside addressing immediate concerns, the government announced a key reform in PNG (Piped Natural Gas) policy. 

Earlier, companies had to pay ₹3 lakh per kilometre in advance for laying pipelines over a 10-year period. This has now been drastically reduced to a one-time payment of just ₹1,000 per km.

The impact of the decision is expected to:

• Boost the expansion of pipelines
• Attract more private players
• Ensure access to clean fuel for the people of the state

The government has set a target of over 13 lakh PNG connections, which reflects a shift in the state's focus to more stable and secure forms of energy. 

Bigger Picture

The bigger picture here is that the government is trying to say that there is no real scarcity of fuel; however, the problem could be compounded if people are allowed to panic buy.