Meghalaya Receives Boost in Commercial LPG Supply Amid Crisis
Increased LPG Allocation for Meghalaya
Shillong, Mar 30: The recent announcement by the Centre to raise the commercial LPG allocation to 70% of previous levels across all states is expected to alleviate the cooking gas shortage in Meghalaya, according to state officials on Monday.
Saloni Verma, the Director of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, indicated that this increase follows extensive discussions with the Government of India and a thorough assessment of the situation in various states.
She stated, "The commercial LPG supply has been restored to 70% of the earlier allocation for all states, including Meghalaya. This adjustment will greatly benefit tourism operators, roadside eateries, restaurants, and hotels."
Verma emphasized that the distribution of domestic LPG remains stable, despite reports of long lines at gas agency offices in different regions of the state.
Earlier, the Centre had implemented a 20% reduction in commercial LPG supply starting March 11 due to import disruptions related to the Middle East situation, which impacted availability in several states.
Meghalaya typically requires about 1,000 commercial LPG cylinders daily, but the supply had significantly decreased after the cut, disrupting services in hotels and eateries.
Officials noted that the situation is gradually improving, with approximately 400 cylinders being supplied daily in the last three days following the new allocation.
Verma confirmed that essential services, including hospitals and educational institutions, have continued to receive their full LPG supply during this period.
Regarding domestic cooking gas, she assured that there has been no interruption in supply.
Before the shortage, the state distributed around 6,000 to 7,000 cylinders daily, and even after March 11, the supply has remained between 5,000 and 7,000 cylinders each day.
Addressing the issue of long queues at LPG distribution centers, Verma explained that these delays are mainly due to the ongoing e-KYC process necessary for obtaining de-duplication certificates for new connections.
"This verification process has been implemented by oil companies to curb hoarding and duplication. The queues are primarily a result of this initiative and not due to a lack of domestic LPG," she clarified.
Between March 25 and 27, the state successfully distributed 22,094 domestic LPG cylinders, as reported by officials.
"We have established District LPG Monitoring Committees along with a State Level LPG Monitoring Committee to closely oversee the situation and ensure a smooth supply," she added.