Shillong : The Government of Meghalaya has assured citizens that there is adequate LPG stock available in the state and urged people not to panic or resort to hoarding cylinders.
Speaking to the media, Food and Civil Supplies Minister Methodius Dkhar said the government recently held a detailed review meeting with Deputy Commissioners, Sub-Divisional Officers, departmental officials and representatives of oil marketing companies to assess the LPG supply situation across the state.
According to the minister, the government is closely monitoring the supply chain in coordination with major oil marketing companies including Indian Oil Corporation, Bharat Petroleum, and Hindustan Petroleum.
Dkhar emphasised that ensuring domestic LPG supply for households remains the government’s top priority and assured that sufficient stock is currently available. He appealed to citizens not to panic or engage in panic booking of LPG cylinders.
The minister also informed that a state-level monitoring mechanism has been activated under the Chief Secretary, while district-level committees led by Deputy Commissioners are tracking LPG stock and distribution on a daily basis.
Priority distribution is being given to essential institutions such as hospitals, hostels, anganwadis and welfare kitchens.
Dkhar warned that strict action will be taken against diversion, hoarding or black marketing of LPG cylinders under the Essential Commodities Act. The government is also coordinating with transport authorities and oil companies to ensure smooth movement of LPG tankers and cylinders across the state.
Meanwhile, President of the Meghalaya LPG Distributors Association, R. L. Blah, said the LPG supply situation in most parts of the state remains stable, although the situation in Garo Hills is being managed separately.
He added that officials from Indian Oil Corporation have requested district authorities to provide security escorts for LPG trucks in certain areas to ensure timely deliveries.
Blah also pointed out that the present supply concerns are linked to the broader national situation, noting that India imports nearly 80 percent of its LPG requirements. However, he expressed confidence that the supply chain will stabilise in the coming days.
He further assured that Meghalaya currently has sufficient domestic LPG stock to meet demand. Commercial LPG cylinders used by hotels, eateries and homestays are also being dispatched to the state.
Hostels and educational institutions will receive priority in the distribution of commercial cylinders. Blah added that the recent surge in bookings is mainly due to panic booking by consumers, which has temporarily affected digital booking platforms.
Consumers have been advised to use alternative booking platforms such as PhonePe and Amazon Pay until normal services resume.