Guwahati, March 11 Assam Chief Secretary Ravi Kota said on Wednesday that local refineries have the capacity to meet only about 30 per cent of the state's LPG demand, indicating a possible shortage of the cooking fuel in the coming days.
In a post on X, Kota said that all four refineries in the state have been requested to increase production to ensure a continuous supply of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) to consumers.
He said he participated in a video conference with the Union Home Secretary, along with chief secretaries and Directors General of Police of all states and Union territories, to review the availability and supply of LPG and diesel across the country.
"It was noted that local refineries are expected to meet about 30 per cent of the state's LPG demand and have been requested to increase production to ensure adequate supply," Kota said.
Assam has four refineries – three owned by Indian Oil Corp at Digboi, Guwahati, and Bongaigaon, and another at Numaligarh operated by Numaligarh Refinery Ltd.
"To ensure close monitoring of the situation, a high-powered committee at the level of the chief secretary has been constituted with the concerned departments to regularly review the supply position," Kota said.
In addition, a dedicated media monitoring committee has been set up to track rumors, misinformation, and misleading reports that may create panic among consumers, he added.
"Enforcement agencies have been directed to take strict action against individuals or entities spreading false information or attempting to create panic regarding fuel availability," the CS said.