IOCL Confirms Stable Energy Supply in Assam Amid Global Tensions
Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) in Assam has announced that despite the ongoing West Asia conflict entering its 45th day, the state's energy supply situation remains absolutely normal and stable. Addressing a press conference in Guwahati on Friday, IOCL Executive Director N Bhatnagar provided detailed assurances regarding fuel and LPG availability, emphasizing robust infrastructure and coordinated efforts.
Petroleum Products: Ample Stocks and Uninterrupted Supply
Bhatnagar stated that the supply of all petroleum products—including petrol, diesel, and LPG—is fully stable and under control. "Uninterrupted availability is being ensured through the state's robust infrastructure, continuous monitoring mechanisms, and effective coordination with state government officials," he explained. Assam currently operates:
- 1,737 retail outlets, with 1,461 run by Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) and 276 by private players.
- Nine supply locations and depots supporting distribution.
On a daily basis, approximately 2,935 kilolitres (KL) of petrol and 3,670 KL of diesel are supplied through these outlets. Current stock levels are sufficient to meet around 21 days of petrol demand and 46 days of diesel demand. Bhatnagar urged citizens to avoid panic buying, noting that all retail outlets are functioning normally without sales restrictions.
LPG Sector: Robust Network and Increased Production
In the LPG sector, services are provided to about 9.3 million consumers through a network of 604 distributors and seven bottling plants—six owned by OMCs and one private facility. Distributors maintain adequate stock levels, with no reports of dry-outs. On average, around 139,000 LPG refills are delivered daily, and an existing backlog of approximately 4.28 days is being cleared as per scheduled bookings.
All four refineries in Assam—Guwahati, Bongaigaon, Digboi, and Numaligarh—are collectively producing over 1,300 metric tonnes (MT) of LPG daily, an increase of about 200 MT compared to pre-conflict levels. "There is surplus production. The energy supply is absolutely stable in Assam," Bhatnagar added.
Commercial LPG and PNG Expansion Efforts
On commercial LPG allocation, Bhatnagar said that as per central guidelines, allocation is currently maintained at 70%. Priority is given to essential sectors such as:
- Hospitals and educational institutions
- Defence establishments and railways
- Government offices, hotels, and restaurants
- Industrial canteens and food processing units
Daily monitoring ensures smooth and equitable distribution. In the PNG sector, approximately 73,000 domestic PNG connections are available in Assam. The state government has issued a public notice for further expansion, with plans to provide around 12,500 new connections in areas with existing pipeline infrastructure. Expansion efforts are being accelerated through fast-track approvals and coordination with local authorities, aiming to reduce LPG cylinder dependence in urban areas.
Strict Actions Against Hoarding and Violations
To curb hoarding and illegal diversion, OMC officials, in coordination with state government authorities, have conducted 319 inspections since last month. These efforts resulted in:
- Seizure of 274 cylinders
- Registration of one FIR
- Three arrests
Strict action has also been initiated against erring LPG distributors. Showcause notices have been issued to 88 distributors, and six distributors have been suspended for violating Standard Operating Procedures, including digital booking and delivery authentication code compliance. All actions are being taken under the provisions of the Essential Commodities Act, 1955.
Overall, IOCL's comprehensive update highlights Assam's resilient energy supply chain, ensuring stability and security for consumers amid global uncertainties.
