No shortage of auto LPG, says Karnataka govt; urges public not to panic

Bengaluru: The state government on Wednesday dismissed reports of a shortage of auto LPG across Karnataka, terming them “false and misleading”, and urged the public and auto drivers not to panic.

In a press note issued by the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Disputes Department, the government said some media outlets had reported long queues at auto gas stations based on rumours of supply constraints. “There is no shortage of auto gas at government-run outlets,” the statement clarified, while acknowledging that certain private auto LPG suppliers were facing supply issues.

The government noted that public sector oil marketing companies such as Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) have adequate supplies.

Officials said that government-backed companies are supplying additional quantities to retail outlets to ensure uninterrupted availability. The government has also cautioned against the spread of misinformation, noting that unnecessary panic could lead to crowding at fuel stations.