Chandigarh: Acting swiftly amid concerns over possible supply disruptions triggered by geopolitical tensions in West Asia, Chandigarh Deputy Commissioner Nishant Yadav on Wednesday ordered deployment of police personnel at LPG agencies and directed real-time monitoring of stock positions of essential commodities across Chandigarh to prevent hoarding and ensure smooth supply.

Chairing a meeting with officials of the Food and Supplies Department, representatives of market associations, consumer organisations, traders and wholesalers, the DC said the administration will maintain close surveillance of market conditions to prevent artificial shortages and unreasonable price escalation.

Yadav directed that police personnel be stationed at LPG agencies to ensure orderly distribution and avoid any untoward situation. He also ordered special teams under District Food and Supply Officers to visit gas agencies across the city and assess the real-time stock position of LPG.

He instructed traders and wholesalers to strictly adhere to anti-hoarding regulations and maintain transparency in stock declaration, supply and pricing of essential commodities. He also warned that any attempt to manipulate supply or create artificial scarcity would invite prompt action. Officials said regular market inspections will also be conducted to monitor stock levels and prices of essential commodities across the city.

During the meeting, representatives of oil marketing companies informed that, as a precautionary measure, gas agencies have temporarily stopped accepting fresh LPG booking requests within 30 days of the previous refill in cases where consumers hold double LPG connections. The step has been taken to ensure equitable distribution and availability of LPG to all consumers.

Appealing to residents not to indulge in panic buying, Yadav assured that adequate stocks of essential commodities are available in Chandigarh and that the administration is closely monitoring the situation to ensure uninterrupted supply.