Three northern States, Chandigarh review fuel supply, anti-hoarding measures amid West Asia conflict

Amid the ongoing war in West Asia, India’s northern States, including Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, on Wednesday (March 11, 2026) swung into action, reviewing supply chains and taking contingency measures on fuel and other essential commodities. Chandigarh also held a review meet.

In a political move, Punjab’s AAP government tabled a resolution in the State Assembly on the Union government’s failure in foreign policy and its impact on the country’s energy security. The resolution, tabled in the House by Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak, will be discussed in detail in the Assembly on March 12.

Mr. Kataruchak said: “This House records with deep concern and serious dissatisfaction that due to the Union government’s failed foreign policy and imbalanced energy policy, a situation of energy crisis has emerged across the country.” He said the crisis is clearly visible in Punjab as well, where the supply of commercial gas cylinders has been disrupted in several areas and restaurant, dhaba and small hotel operators are being forced to wait for long periods to obtain cylinders.

Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains pointed to the emerging challenges in the fertiliser and energy sectors. “National Fertilizers Limited units at Nangal and Bathinda are almost shut down. From where will we get the urea? Why are our plants in Nangal and Bathinda closed while NFL’s Panipat (Haryana) runs at full capacity?” he said.

In the Union Territory, Deputy Commissioner of Chandigarh Nishant Yadav convened a meeting to deliberate on preventive measures against hoarding and to ensure the smooth availability of essential commodities.

The Deputy Commissioner highlighted the possible impact of the prevailing situation in West Asia on the supply chain and prices of essential commodities, directing the stakeholders to strictly adhere to the provisions of anti-hoarding regulations. Amid concerns regarding liquefied petroleum gas supply, the DC directed that “police personnel be deployed at gas agencies to ensure orderly distribution and to prevent any untoward situation.”

In Haryana, Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini chaired a meeting “to review the situation arising from rumours about disruption in LPG supply,” said an official statement.

The statement added that the oil companies have informed that the supply of petrol, diesel and domestic LPG is presently normal and that adequate stock is available. However, there is a temporary disruption in the supply of commercial cylinders,” it said.

In Himachal Pradesh, Chief Secretary Sanjay Gupta held a review meeting to assess the availability of fuel and gas. Himachal presently has sufficient stock of petrol, diesel and domestic cooking gas (LPG). There has been a slight impact on the supply of commercial LPG cylinders so far.