The Assam government has stepped up monitoring of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) supply after officials said local refineries currently produce only about 30 per cent of the state’s total requirement. However, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has said there is no shortage of LPG in the state and assured that supplies remain stable.Assam Chief Secretary Ravi Kota on March 11 said the state’s refineries can presently meet only a limited portion of the demand for cooking gas. The remaining supply is brought from other parts of the country through the national distribution network.Kota said the issue was reviewed during a video conference with the Union Home Secretary. The meeting was attended by chief secretaries and directors general of police from all states and Union territories. The discussion focused on the availability of essential fuels, including LPG and diesel, across the country.
According to officials, four refineries operate in Assam. Three are run by Indian Oil Corporation at Digboi, Guwahati and Bongaigaon, while the fourth refinery is operated by Numaligarh Refinery Limited at Numaligarh. These facilities together produce only about 30 per cent of the LPG needed in the state.To ensure there is no disruption in supply, the state government has asked the refineries to increase production as much as possible. The government has also formed a high-powered committee headed by the chief secretary. Officials from different departments are part of the panel, which will review the fuel supply situation regularly and coordinate with oil companies.Another committee has been set up to monitor media reports and social media posts related to fuel availability. Officials said the aim is to prevent rumours or misleading information that could create panic among consumers. Enforcement agencies have also been instructed to take strict action against anyone found spreading false information about LPG supply.
Speaking to reporters, Sarma said there is no crisis of LPG cylinders in Assam. He said the government is closely watching the situation in view of the ongoing tensions in West Asia, which have raised concerns about global energy supplies.The chief minister said India has arrangements to import oil and gas from nearly 40 countries. He also noted that Russia has started supplying oil and gas to India, which will help maintain stable energy supplies.Sarma said the government remains confident that there will be no shortage of LPG in the state. He also recalled how the central government managed oxygen supply during the COVID-19 pandemic despite severe pressure on the healthcare system.