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 came a day after Ravi Kota, Chief Secretary of Assam, stated that local refineries currently have the capacity to meet only about 30 per cent of the state’s demand for cooking gas.
In a post on X, Assam Police cautioned the public against believing or forwarding misleading claims about shortages of LPG, petroleum, oil and lubricants (POL), and other fuels. The force said such rumours may be spread by “inimical elements” attempting to create confusion among the public.
Authorities have also set up a dedicated media monitoring committee to track rumours, misinformation and misleading reports that could trigger panic among consumers.
On Wednesday night, Ravi Kota said the state’s refineries are presently able to meet only around 30 per cent of the LPG demand, indicating a potential shortage in the coming days. However, he added that all four refineries in the state have been requested to increase production to ensure an uninterrupted supply of Liquefied Petroleum Gas to consumers.
Kota, along with Harmeet Singh, Director General of Police of Assam, officials from the Food and Civil Supplies Department, and representatives of oil marketing companies, also participated in a video conference chaired by the Union Home Secretary. The meeting, attended by chief secretaries and DGPs of all states and Union territories, reviewed the availability and supply of LPG and diesel across the country.
During the meeting, the State Level Coordinator of Indian Oil Corporation informed that the overall LPG supply situation in Assam remains stable and that adequate stock is currently available.
Assam has four refineries — three operated by Indian Oil Corporation at Digboi, Guwahati and Bongaigaon, and another at Numaligarh run by Numaligarh Refinery Limited.
According to officials, the entire Northeast region requires around 1.91 lakh domestic LPG cylinders of 14.2 kg each every day, of which approximately 1.34 lakh cylinders are consumed in Assam alone.
In the commercial segment, the daily demand for 19 kg LPG cylinders across the Northeast stands at 5,777 units, including about 4,112 units in Assam.
