Chief Secretary chairs review after national meeting with Union Home Secretary; refineries asked to increase production
Guwahati: The Government of Assam has warned that strict action will be taken against individuals spreading rumours about shortages of LPG and other petroleum products in the state.
The caution follows a national-level meeting convened by the Ministry of Home Affairs, India, where Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan reviewed the availability and supply of LPG and diesel across the country with Chief Secretaries and Directors General of Police from several states and Union Territories.
Assam Chief Secretary Ravi Kota, along with Director General of Police Harmeet Singh, officials from the Food and Civil Supplies Department and representatives of oil marketing companies, participated in the meeting on behalf of the state.
During the review, the State Level Coordinator of Indian Oil Corporation Limited informed that the overall LPG supply situation in Assam remains comfortable, with adequate stocks currently available. Officials also noted that local refineries in the state are expected to meet around 30 percent of Assam’s LPG demand and have been requested to increase production to ensure sufficient supply.
Authorities further reiterated advisories issued by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, India, to prevent panic buying. According to the guidelines, fresh LPG cylinders should not be delivered within 25 days of the previous purchase, while priority in supply will continue for health institutions, educational institutions and households.
To monitor the situation closely, the state government has constituted a high-powered committee led by the Chief Secretary to regularly review fuel availability and distribution. A dedicated media monitoring committee has also been set up to track rumours, misinformation and misleading reports that may create panic among consumers.
Officials warned that enforcement agencies will take strict action against individuals or entities spreading false information regarding fuel availability. Authorities reiterated that the state government is closely monitoring the situation and has put measures in place to ensure an uninterrupted supply of essential fuel commodities across Assam.
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