Amid concerns among consumers over possible disruptions in the supply of domestic cooking gas triggered by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and rumours circulating on social media, the Meghalaya government on Thursday said it has activated a State-level monitoring mechanism under the Chief Secretary to track the supply and distribution of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) on a daily basis, even as authorities assured that adequate stock of LPG is available across the State.
The government said the monitoring system is being coordinated with district administrations, the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs department and oil marketing companies to ensure uninterrupted supply of domestic LPG cylinders, while also preventing panic buying triggered by speculation over shortages.
Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Methodius Dkhar said the government intensified monitoring of LPG availability following a comprehensive review meeting involving deputy commissioners, sub-divisional officers, senior officials of the department and representatives of oil marketing companies.
Speaking to reporters, the Minister said, “Had an intensive review meeting with the deputy commissioners, SDOs, commissioner and secretary from food and civil supply and team from IOCL to take stock of the LPG situation in Meghalaya, as per review meeting the state government is closely monitoring the supply of LPG across Meghalaya in coordination with Oil marketing company that is IOCL, DBCL and HPCL and domestic LPG supply for households which remain the top priority.”
He further said, “I will like to request the citizens of the state that there is no cause for panic among the consumer as we have adequate stock at present.”
The Minister said the government has activated a monitoring mechanism at both the State and district levels to track LPG stock and distribution.
“The government has activated a state level monitoring mechanism under the chief secretary and in district level under the deputy commissioners to track LPG stock and distribution on daily basis,” he said.
Emphasising the need to prioritise supply to essential establishments, he added, “Priority is being supply to essential institutions such as hospitals, hostels, Anganwadis and welfare kitchen.”
The Minister also warned that strict action would be taken against any malpractice in the LPG distribution system.
“Strict enforcement action will be taken against diversion, hoarding or black marketing of LPG cylinder under the essential commodity Act,” he said.
He further said the government is coordinating with transport authorities and oil marketing companies to ensure smooth and uninterrupted movement of LPG cylinders across the State.
“The government is also coordinating with the transport authorities and oil marketing companies to ensure uninterrupted movement of the LPG and Gas and cylinders,” he said.
Reiterating the government’s appeal to the public, the Minister said, “I urge citizens not to panic and to report any irregularities to the district authorities, as of now the situation is under control and government is confident that the regular supply is maintained.”
Meanwhile, East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner R. M. Kurbah said there is no shortage of LPG in the district and urged residents not to panic amid rumours of supply disruptions.
She said the price of LPG is regulated and that supplies in East Khasi Hills remain normal, though the price of domestic LPG cylinders has seen a marginal increase in line with national trends.
“I have been in touch with the Indian Oil Corporation representative here and presently there is no shortage of LPG and the price of LPG cylinder is regulated. From time to time we disburse information and I appeal to the public not to panic and follow rumours that are spread in social media. Wait for our instructions. I am monitoring the situation day to day basis. Not only LPG but also petrol diesel and every thing that deals with essential commodities I am monitoring, any kind of situation we will make public aware. As of now every thing is normal.”
Officials said the price of a domestic LPG refill cylinder in the Shillong region currently stands at ₹1,005 per cylinder, including carrying charges.
Kurbah also appealed to residents not to pay heed to rumours or speculation linking possible supply disruptions to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, urging the public to rely only on verified information and refrain from circulating unconfirmed claims on social media.
