Shillong, Mar 12: There is currently sufficient stock of LPG cylinders in Meghalaya and therefore no need for consumers to panic, Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Methodius Dkhar said today.
There is concern in India over whether LPG could run out in the coming days or weeks as the country is hugely reliant on its gas coming from the Persian Gulf nations, who are unable to shift any product because of the illegal Israeli-American war against Iran.
There have been reports already that commercial gas users, such as hotels and restaurants, in parts of India have been forced to shut for want of cooking gas.
The central government has for now prioritised domestic supply but Meghalaya is also concerned for its tourism industry and wants to secure a supply of commercial gas cylinders for its burgeoning hotels, resorts and guesthouses.
Dkhar today said that the state government is closely monitoring distribution.
Speaking to reporters after a review meeting, he said the state government held an intensive discussion with district officials and representatives of oil marketing companies to assess the current situation and ensure “uninterrupted” LPG supply across Meghalaya. Domestic LPG supply for households remains the top priority, he added.
Dkhar also informed that the government has activated a state-level monitoring mechanism under the Chief Secretary, along with district committees led by Deputy Commissioners, to track LPG stock and distribution on a daily basis.
He said priority is being given to essential institutions such as hospitals, hostels, anganwadis and welfare kitchens. The government will also take strict action against diversion, hoarding or black marketing of LPG cylinders under the provisions of the Essential Commodities Act.
The department is also coordinating with transport authorities and oil companies to ensure the smooth movement of LPG tankers and cylinders. The minister urged citizens not to indulge in panic booking or hoarding and to report any irregularities to district authorities.
“As of now the situation is under control and the government is confident that regular supply will be maintained across the state,” he said.
However, even before the current crisis, there was always a thriving black market in LPG cylinders. Domestic users who needed an extra one could always find what they were looking for for the right price. And restaurants would sometimes illegally use domestic cylinders instead of commercial ones as they are far cheaper. In a state where enforcement of the rules is lax, how effective any monitoring mechanism is will have to be seen to be believed.
Meanwhile, president of the Khasi-Pnar Gas Agency, RL Blah, said the current price of a 14.2kg domestic LPG cylinder in Meghalaya is around Rs 1,005. He added that oil companies are currently prioritising the supply of domestic cylinders to ensure that households do not face disruptions.
Blah said there should be no disruption in LPG supply across Khasi-Jaintia Hills but supply to Garo Hills may require logistical support due to the prevailing situation there.
He said an appeal has been made to district authorities in Garo Hills to provide escort for LPG consignments so that cylinders can be transported safely to the region.
Despite the international situation, Blah said Meghalaya currently has sufficient domestic LPG stock to meet demand until the end of the month.
He added that efforts are also being made to ensure adequate supply of 19kg commercial cylinders, particularly for hotels, hostels and eateries, given the state’s growing tourism sector. Additional consignments of commercial LPG cylinders have already been dispatched to the state, with more expected to arrive soon.
