Shillong: Meghalaya’s Food and Civil Supplies Minister Methodius Dkhar on Thursday assured that the state has sufficient LPG stock and urged citizens not to panic or resort to hoarding cylinders.
Speaking to the media, Methodius Dkhar said the government had convened 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 Meghalaya.
He said the government is closely monitoring the supply in coordination with oil marketing companies such as Indian Oil Corporation, Bharat Petroleum and Hindustan Petroleum.
The minister emphasised that domestic LPG supply for households remains the government’s top priority and assured that adequate stock is currently available in the state. He appealed to the public not to panic or indulge in panic booking and hoarding of cylinders.
According to Dkhar, the government has activated a state-level monitoring mechanism under the Chief Secretary, along with district-level committees led by Deputy Commissioners, to track LPG stock and distribution on a daily basis. Priority is being given to essential institutions such as hospitals, hostels, anganwadis and welfare kitchens.
He also 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 marketing companies to ensure uninterrupted movement of LPG tankers and cylinders across the state.
Meanwhile, President of the Meghalaya LPG Distributors Association R. L. Blah said that supply in most parts of the state remains stable, though the situation in Garo Hills is being handled separately. He added that officials from Indian Oil Corporation have requested district authorities in the region to provide security escorts for LPG trucks to ensure timely deliveries.
Blah noted that the present supply concerns are linked to a broader national situation, as India imports nearly 80 percent of its LPG requirements. However, he said supply chains are expected to stabilise in the coming days.
He further stated that Meghalaya currently has sufficient domestic LPG stock to meet the demand. Commercial LPG cylinders (19 kg), widely used by hotels, eateries and homestays in tourist areas, are also being dispatched to the state and the situation is expected to improve soon.
Hostels and educational institutions, he added, will receive priority in the distribution of commercial cylinders. The recent surge in bookings, he said, is largely due to panic booking by consumers, which has temporarily affected digital booking platforms.
Consumers have been advised to use alternative booking options such as PhonePe and Amazon Pay until normal services resume. Blah reiterated that there is no cause for concern and that LPG supply in the state remains under control.
