Assam's Fuel Supply Remains Stable Amid Global Concerns

Fuel Supply Assurance in Assam

Guwahati/Manipur, April 17: In light of the ongoing crisis in West Asia, the Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) has reassured the public that there is no shortage of LPG, petrol, or diesel in Assam. The recent long queues and heightened anxiety regarding fuel supply have been attributed to panic buying and increased demand.

During a press briefing at the IOCL Assam State Office in Noonmati, Executive Director and State Head Nitin Bhatnagar confirmed that fuel supplies in the state are stable and adequately stocked.

“The availability of domestic LPG cylinders and petroleum products in Assam is completely normal. On behalf of all oil marketing companies, I assure you that there is sufficient stock of LPG, petrol, and diesel. There is no reason for panic,” Bhatnagar stated.

Data from IOCL indicates that Assam has 1,737 fuel retail outlets, comprising 1,461 operated by oil marketing companies and 276 private outlets, supported by nine supply locations.

The state consumes an average of 2,935 KL of petrol and 3,670 KL of diesel daily.

“Currently, we have enough stock for over 24 days for petrol and 46 days for diesel. Daily replenishments from refineries to terminals and depots are already in place. All retail outlets are operating normally without any sales restrictions,” he added.

Bhatnagar also mentioned that fuel consumption patterns have remained consistent with levels seen before the West Asia crisis, alleviating fears of any disruptions.

Regarding LPG supply, IOCL officials reported that services are being provided to around 9.3 million consumers in Assam through 604 distributors and seven bottling plants.

Bhatnagar highlighted a significant increase in digital adoption, noting that 84% of LPG bookings are now made online, a rise from 49% just two months ago, along with improved delivery system efficiency.

Chief General Manager (LPG) Amarjyoti Bordoloi explained that the recent surge at LPG distributorships was due to panic-driven bookings and mandatory e-KYC requirements, rather than any supply issues.

He elaborated that the Centre has mandated e-KYC for approximately 50 lakh PMUY beneficiaries and for inactive non-PMUY consumers (around 60 lakh) who had not refilled cylinders for nine months.

“Previously, e-KYC compliance was at 37%, which caused confusion and queues as people rushed to register. While delivery agents can assist, many opted to visit distributors directly,” Bordoloi noted.

He further mentioned that household consumption has changed, with families now using about five cylinders annually. Following the West Asia crisis, bookings have surged to one every 25 days, equating to nearly 15 cylinders a year.

To combat illegal practices, oil marketing companies, in collaboration with the state government, conducted 319 inspections in the past month, resulting in the seizure of 204 cylinders, one FIR, and three arrests.

“We are taking stringent action against violations. To date, 88 show-cause notices have been issued to LPG distributors, and six have been suspended,” Bhatnagar reported.

IOCL officials urged the public to rely on verified information and refrain from panic-driven actions.

“We ask people not to believe in rumors or engage in panic buying. Supplies are stable, and we are meeting demand fully,” Bhatnagar emphasized.

Despite rising public concern amid global uncertainties, IOCL affirmed that Assam’s fuel ecosystem remains strong, with authorities closely monitoring supply chains to avert disruptions.

In a similar effort to mitigate panic buying and reassure consumers, IOCL and state authorities conducted awareness initiatives in Manipur, where officials confirmed that there is no shortage of LPG, petrol, or diesel despite global supply worries.

Director of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Department, K. Bono Singh (middle) addressing LPG & fuel concerns in Imphal (Photo: AT)

In Imphal, K. Bono Singh, Director of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Department, reassured that sufficient LPG stocks are available, with nearly 11,000 cylinders being supplied daily across the state.