The Times of India

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed officials to ensure an uninterrupted supply of cooking gas (LPG) across the state. He emphasized preventing artificial shortages and cracking down on rumour-mongering to avoid panic. The CM met with oil and gas company executives to assess demand and supply, ensuring timely cylinder delivery to consumers.

Uttar Pradesh Police in Hapur busted an illegal domestic gas cylinder racket on March 11, seizing 18 filled and 14 empty HP Gas cylinders from a residence. The accused confessed to buying and reselling cylinders for profit, violating gas supply and essential commodities acts. Authorities assure adequate fuel availability and warn against hoarding.

In a tragic twist of fate, an altercation over a trivial debt of Rs 160 escalated into a chilling double homicide in Mohanlalganj. Law enforcement apprehended 35-year-old Kishan Rawat following a dramatic shootout, where he was found responsible for the deaths of a 45-year-old widow and her visually impaired son on March 9.

Gautam Budh Nagar cybercrime police apprehended two Nigerians, Modebe Joseph and Sunday Okonkwo, for allegedly orchestrating an international cybercrime syndicate. The duo, linked to 'Solar Spider', targeted cooperative banks with weaker security, siphoning an estimated Rs 60-80 crore.

Panic buying gripped Basti as residents, fearing LPG price hikes and potential shortages, queued for cylinders. Authorities confirmed ample supply, attributing the rush to a shift in booking procedures and a government crackdown on fuel rumour mongering. Families preparing for weddings were particularly affected by the unfounded fears.

Authorities are exploring a return of kerosene for kitchens in Uttar Pradesh. This is a precautionary step for a possible LPG shortage in the coming days. Oil companies are assessing if old kerosene distribution networks can be reactivated. The move is a backup plan for emergencies, not a policy change. The focus remains on ensuring cooking fuel access for households.