Guwahati: In view of the ongoing geopolitical situation arising from the West Asia conflict, the Assam government held a high-level review on the status of LPG and petroleum products in the state.
The exercise followed a video conference conducted by the Government of India on Tuesday, which was attended by Chief Secretaries and Director Generals of Police of all states, along with senior officials from the Home and Political Department, Consumer Affairs, and Information & Broadcasting.
The conference focused on the availability, transportation, supply, and distribution of LPG cylinders, both domestic and commercial, across the country. Officials stressed strict vigilance and monitoring to prevent any fake news or rumors regarding shortages.
Subsequent to the national video conference, Assam Chief Secretary Ravi Kota chaired a review meeting at Loksewa Bhawan with Director General of Police, senior officers from the Food, Public Distribution & Consumer Affairs Department, and representatives of Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) operating in the state.
During the meeting, officials discussed the availability of LPG cylinders and other petroleum products, including motor spirit and high-speed diesel, across Assam. OMC representatives confirmed that there is currently no shortage of LPG cylinders and adequate stock is available to meet domestic demand.
Kota instructed all concerned authorities to closely monitor the situation and coordinate in case of any crisis. Officials also decided to urge consumers not to believe rumors or fake news related to LPG or petroleum products. Any individual or agency spreading false information on social media or other media platforms will face stringent action.
The meeting further resolved to establish a Crisis Management Group comprising all stakeholders to oversee the situation, along with a Media Management Committee to monitor social media, print, and electronic media for misinformation.
Authorities were also asked to prevent unfair trade practices, hoarding, black marketing, or price hikes of LPG, petroleum, and other fuel products. Kota underscored the need for strict regulatory enforcement, technological monitoring, and surprise inspections covering production, import, marketing, transportation, and sale of LPG, natural gas, and other petroleum products.