Guwahati: Three persons were arrested and six LPG distributors suspended as Assam intensified action against hoarding and illegal diversion, officials said on April 17.
The crackdown is part of a statewide enforcement drive led by Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) in coordination with the state government. Officials said 319 inspections have been carried out so far, resulting in the registration of one FIR and the seizure of 274 LPG cylinders.
Authorities maintained that the supply of LPG and petroleum products across the state remains unaffected. Indian Oil Corporation’s Executive Director and State Head, Nitin Bhatnagar, said there are no restrictions on sales and that demand levels continue to remain stable.
On average, around 29,350 kilolitres (KL) of petrol and 3,670 KL of diesel are being supplied daily through retail outlets, which officials said is adequate to meet demand. Assam currently has 1,737 fuel retail outlets, including 1,461 operated by OMCs and 276 by private players.
In the LPG segment, nearly 93 lakh consumers are being served through 604 distributors. Officials said about 1.39 lakh refills are delivered daily, and the existing backlog—estimated at around 4.28 days, is being gradually cleared.
As part of the crackdown, show-cause notices have been issued to 88 LPG distributors, with six already facing suspension. Authorities have reiterated the need for strict adherence to standard operating procedures, including mandatory digital booking and delivery acknowledgement.
Officials also highlighted improvements in digitisation, with 84 per cent of LPG bookings now made online, up from 49 per cent two months ago. Delivery Authentication Code (DAC) compliance has also increased to 72 per cent from 37 per cent during the same period.
To ensure wider access, particularly for economically weaker sections, migrants and students, 5-kg LPG cylinders are being made available as part of efforts to maintain uninterrupted supply of clean cooking fuel across the state.