To ensure adequate supply of LPG cylinders, the Assam government has asked the local refineries to step up production. The directive has been issued in view of LPG crisis triggered by the war in the Middle East. Assam has four refineries — three owned by Indian Oil Corporation Ltd at Digboi, Guwahati and Bongaigaon, and another at Numaligarh operated by Numaligarh Refinery Ltd. “During a meeting, the State Level Coordinator of Indian Oil Corporation Limited reviewed the LPG supply position in Assam and informed that the overall situation in the state remains comfortable, and adequate stock is currently available. It was also noted that local refineries are expected to meet about 30 per cent of the state’s LPG demand and have been requested to step up production to ensure adequate supply,” Chief Secretary Dr Ravi Kota said.
Dr Kota made the statement after attending a meeting with the Union Home Secretary, along with the Chief Secretaries and the Directors General of Police of States and Union Territories, to assess the availability and supply position of LPG and diesel across the country. Besides Dr Kota, the Assam DGP, officials of the Food and Civil Supplies Department and representatives of oil marketing companies participated in the meeting on behalf of government of Assam. “The Government of Assam is closely monitoring the situation and has assured that adequate measures are in place to ensure uninterrupted supply of essential fuel commodities across the state,” the Chief Secretary said.
He informed that to ensure close monitoring of the situation, a high-powered committee at the level of the Chief Secretary has been constituted with the concerned departments to regularly review the supply position. In addition, a dedicated media monitoring committee has been set up to track rumors, misinformation and misleading reports that may create panic among consumers. Enforcement agencies have been directed to take strict action against individuals or entities spreading false information or attempting to create panic regarding fuel availability.
