Assam Police Issues Stern Warning Against Fuel Shortage Rumors
In a decisive move to maintain public order, Assam Police has issued a strong warning on Thursday, threatening strict legal action against anyone found spreading rumors about shortages of LPG and other petroleum products. The police department has appealed directly to citizens, urging them not to believe or forward any misleading claims that might be propagated by hostile elements aiming to create confusion and panic among the population.
State Government Takes Proactive Measures to Ensure Supply
Simultaneously, Assam Chief Secretary Ravi Kota has taken concrete steps to bolster the state's fuel supply chain. He has instructed local refineries within Assam to significantly step up their production capacities to guarantee adequate availability of LPG and diesel across all regions. This directive comes as part of a comprehensive strategy to preempt any potential supply disruptions and reassure consumers about the stability of essential fuel commodities.
High-Level Meeting Reviews National and State Supply Position
Chief Secretary Kota recently participated in a crucial meeting convened by the Union Home Ministry, which included the Union Home Secretary along with chief secretaries and Directors General of Police from various states and union territories. The primary agenda of this high-level gathering was to conduct a thorough assessment of the availability and supply status of LPG and diesel throughout the entire country.
During this meeting, the State Level Coordinator of Indian Oil Corporation Limited provided a detailed review of the LPG supply situation specifically in Assam. The coordinator confirmed that the overall scenario in the state remains comfortable, with adequate stock currently available to meet consumer demands without interruption.
Local Refineries to Meet 30% of State's LPG Demand
"It was also noted that local refineries are expected to meet about 30% of the state's LPG demand and have been formally requested to step up production to ensure adequate supply," Chief Secretary Kota emphasized in his statement. This strategic reliance on domestic production capabilities is designed to reduce dependency on external sources and create a more resilient supply network within Assam itself.
Government Implements Strict Supply Guidelines to Prevent Panic Buying
In alignment with advisories issued by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas aimed at preventing panic buying behaviors, authorities have reiterated that fresh LPG cylinders should not be delivered before twenty-five days from the date of the previous purchase. This measure is specifically implemented to discourage hoarding and ensure equitable distribution among all consumers.
"Priority in LPG supply will continue to be given to health institutions, educational institutions and households," Kota added, highlighting the government's commitment to safeguarding essential services and vulnerable populations during any potential supply challenges.
Formation of Special Committees for Continuous Monitoring
To ensure close and continuous monitoring of the evolving situation, the state government has established a high-powered committee at the chief secretary level. This committee includes representatives from all concerned departments and will regularly review the supply position, making adjustments as necessary to maintain stability.
In addition to this administrative body, a dedicated media monitoring committee has been specifically created to track rumors, misinformation, and misleading reports that might create unnecessary panic among consumers. This proactive approach aims to identify and counter false narratives before they can gain traction and disrupt public confidence.
Strict Enforcement Against Misinformation Spreaders
"Enforcement agencies have been directed to take strict action against individuals or entities spreading false information or attempting to create panic regarding fuel availability," the Chief Secretary stated unequivocally. This warning serves as a clear message that the government will not tolerate any attempts to manipulate public sentiment through deceptive practices.
Assam's Refinery Infrastructure and Expansion Plans
Indian Oil Corporation Limited operates three significant refineries within Assam that form the backbone of the state's petroleum production capacity. The Guwahati Refinery boasts a capacity of 1.2 million metric tonnes per annum, while the Bongaigaon Refinery operates at 2.7 MMTPA. The Digboi Refinery currently functions at 0.65 MMTPA, with plans to expand to 1.0 MMTPA by March 2026 through strategic development initiatives.
Additionally, the Numaligarh Refinery Limited operates the Numaligarh Refinery with a substantial capacity of 3 MMTPA. This facility is currently undergoing a major brownfield expansion project known as the Numaligarh Refinery Expansion Project, which aims to triple its capacity from 3 MMTPA to an impressive 9 MMTPA upon completion.
"The state government 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," Chief Secretary Kota concluded, offering reassurance to all residents of Assam about the government's preparedness and commitment to maintaining normalcy in fuel availability.
