Assam Police warn of strict action against rumours on LPG and fuel shortages

Pic/PTI

Assam Police on Thursday warned that strict legal action will be taken against individuals spreading rumours about shortages of LPG and other petroleum products in the state. The warning comes amid concerns over the availability of cooking gas after officials indicated that local refineries currently meet only a limited portion of Assam's demand.

Police caution against misinformation on fuel supplies

In a statement posted on X, Assam Police urged the public not to believe or circulate unverified messages related to shortages of LPG, petrol, diesel, or other petroleum products. The police said misinformation could create unnecessary panic among consumers and disrupt normal supply mechanisms.

"Strict legal action will be taken against anyone trying to spread rumours about shortages of LPG, POL and other petroleum products," the police stated.

Authorities also advised citizens to refrain from forwarding misleading messages circulating on social media or messaging platforms. Officials said such claims may be deliberately spread by "inimical elements" seeking to create confusion and anxiety among the public.

Government forms committee to track rumours

In response to the situation, the Assam government has constituted a dedicated media monitoring committee to track rumours, misinformation and misleading reports related to fuel supplies. The committee will monitor various media platforms, including social media, to identify false claims and ensure timely clarification from the authorities.

Officials said the step aims to prevent panic buying or hoarding of LPG cylinders and other fuels by consumers based on inaccurate information, reported PTI.

Local refineries meet only part of LPG demand

Concerns about LPG availability emerged after Assam Chief Secretary Ravi Kota said on Wednesday night that local refineries currently have the capacity to meet only around 30 per cent of the state's demand for cooking gas, reported PTI.

The statement indicated the possibility of a shortfall in LPG supply if production and supply chains are not strengthened in the coming days. To address the issue, the chief secretary said all four refineries operating in Assam have been requested to ramp up production to ensure uninterrupted availability of Liquefied Petroleum Gas for consumers.

Centre reviews fuel supply situation across states

Kota, along with Assam Director General of Police Harmeet Singh, officials from the Food and Civil Supplies Department, and representatives of oil marketing companies, participated in a video conference with Union Home Secretary and senior officials from states and Union territories to review the availability and supply of LPG and diesel across the country, reported PTI.

During the meeting, the State Level Coordinator of Indian Oil Corporation reviewed the LPG supply situation in Assam and informed that the overall scenario remains stable for now, with adequate stocks currently available.

Demand for LPG remains high in Assam

Assam has four refineries-three operated by Indian Oil Corporation at Digboi, Guwahati and Bongaigaon, and another at Numaligarh managed by Numaligarh Refinery Limited.

The Northeast region requires around 1.91 lakh domestic LPG cylinders of 14.2 kilograms every day. Of this, Assam alone accounts for approximately 1.34 lakh cylinders daily.

In the commercial segment, the demand for 19 kg LPG cylinders across the Northeast stands at about 5,777 units per day, with Assam accounting for 4,112 units of the total consumption.

Authorities have assured that efforts are underway to maintain steady supplies while urging the public to rely only on official updates regarding fuel availability.

(With inputs from PTI)