Guwahati, March 26 The Assam government stated on Thursday that the state has a surplus of petrol and diesel, even as panic buying continued for the second day in several parts of the state.
"The availability of petrol and diesel is quite surplus in the state," the chief secretary's office said on X, adding that only 27 per cent of the fuel produced in the four refineries in the state is consumed locally. In other words, there is a surplus of 73 per cent, it said.
The government stated that the average monthly production in the four refineries, including Numaligarh Refinery Ltd, is 168,000 metric tonnes of petrol and 403,000 metric tonnes of diesel, while the state's average monthly consumption is 63,000 metric tonnes of petrol and 92,000 metric tonnes of diesel.
"This results in a monthly average surplus of 105,000 metric tonnes of petrol and 311,000 metric tonnes of diesel," the statement said.
Authorities also issued strict instructions against selling fuel outside vehicle tanks, warning that violations could invite penal action.
"Police will register criminal cases against those buying in loose containers under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), and provisions of the Petroleum Act, 1934, and Explosives Act, 1884 can also be invoked," the chief secretary said.
Queues were reported at petrol pumps in most parts of Assam, including Guwahati, with some outlets limiting sales per vehicle to ensure supply for all customers.
In another post, the chief secretary's office shared instructions issued by the Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL) to all Divisional Retail Sales Heads, State and DO Retail Teams, and Retail Field Officers.
"All retail outlet dealers and staff are advised to avoid dispensing fuels in loose containers, drums, plastic bottles, canisters, etc., which is strictly prohibited and illegal as per Petroleum Safety regulations and state directives," the letter said.