Nongpoh, Mar 26: A shortage of cooking gas led to inconvenience for residents across Ri-Bhoi district, forcing many people to queue up for hours at gas distribution centres today.
Large numbers of consumers gathered at Ri-Bhoi Gas Agency in Mawtnum village, carrying empty cylinders in the hope of getting refilled ones. The situation has become difficult for many households, as they have yet to receive new cylinders despite having made their bookings already.
In response to the growing crisis, the district administration, following instructions from the state government, convened the first meeting of the District LPG Supply Monitoring Committee. The meeting was attended by officials from various departments and gas agency proprietors to discuss measures to address the issue.
Deputy Commissioner of Ri-Bhoi Abhilash Baranwal stated that the supply of LPG cylinders has significantly declined compared to previous months, leading to disruption in distribution.
Speaking to the media, the DC said that the committee will closely monitor the situation and identify solutions to improve supply in the district. He added that gas agencies have been directed to prepare a detailed list of commercial cylinder users to ensure systematic distribution and to balance demand across both domestic and commercial sectors.
Regarding booking rules, it was informed that consumers in urban areas can book a refill after 25 days, while those in rural areas must wait up to 45 days. Agencies have also been instructed to distribute cylinders strictly based on booking dates, ensuring fairness and transparency without any bias.
The DC urged the public not to panic over the current shortage but to remain patient and follow the booking schedule. He assured that the state government is actively working to improve supply and meet public demand in the coming days.
Meanwhile, Victor Maxx Rynjah, proprietor of the Ri-Bhoi Gas Agency, appealed to the public not to create panic. Although the supply has reduced, there is no actual shortage of LPG and the issue has arisen due to a sharp increase in the number of consumers, he stated.
Rynjah further explained that gas agencies are responsible only for distribution, while the supply depends on oil companies and the government. According to him, the agency has been diligently distributing cylinders as per booking dates.
He also expressed concern over the difficulties faced by delivery personnel, who are often subjected to verbal abuse and threats from frustrated customers. Delivery workers are not at fault as they are required to follow strict guidelines and prioritise earlier bookings, which sometimes leads to delays and public dissatisfaction, Rynjah explained.
