By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, March 13: Amid the growing nationwide concern regarding shortage of LPG cylinders, the Meghalaya government is taking proactive steps to address any supply issues, particularly for the hospitality sector, while assuring that there is no current shortage of domestic cylinders in the state.
In a letter addressed to the Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Chief Secretary Shakil P Ahammed urged the Centre to ensure adequate and uninterrupted supply of commercial LPG cylinders for hotels and restaurants, especially in Shillong and other key tourist areas. He highlighted severe difficulties faced by the hospitality industry due to shortages, requesting exemptions or priority allocation.
The Chief Secretary noted that Meghalaya’s hospitality sector depends almost entirely on commercial LPG for cooking, with limited access to alternatives like piped natural gas.
Disruptions could force hotels and restaurants to curtail services or suspend operations, harming visitor experiences and the state’s tourism reputation. As tourism is a major economic driver, prolonged issues could impact related livelihoods.
Committee to monitor LPG supply
To enhance oversight, a State LPG Supply Monitoring Committee headed by the Chief Secretary has been formed, alongside District LPG Supply Monitoring Committees led by the respective deputy commissioners. These committees will track stocks, coordinate with distributors and OMCs, and ensure equitable distribution.
The department urged consumers against panic buying or hoarding, which could create artificial scarcity. It warned that black marketing, over-pricing, or unauthorised sales of domestic cylinders are illegal, with strict action promised.
Bookings occur only through authorised digital systems of OMCs, with deliveries verified via Delivery Authentication Code (DAC). Refills are allowed after a 25-day gap from the last delivery to prevent hoarding and promote fair access.
The government called for public cooperation to maintain orderly, responsible use of LPG, ensuring equitable supply for all.
Supply of LPG in Garo Hills
Meanwhile, the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department has directed the administrations in the five districts Garo Hills to ensure uninterrupted supply of LPG cylinders amid the prevailing curfew and communal tension in parts of the region.
In a communiqué issued on Friday, the department asked the Deputy Commissioners of Tura, Ampati, Williamnagar, Resubelpara and Baghmara, along with the Sub-Divisional Officer of Dadenggre, to extend necessary support to LPG distributors and transporters to maintain smooth supply of the essential commodity.
The directive, based on instructions from the Chief Secretary, emphasised that special attention must be given to the situation in Garo Hills to ensure residents do not face shortages of LPG.
According to the department, Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) have already been advised to take all necessary steps to maintain adequate LPG stocks and ensure deliveries reach consumers despite the curfew.
District administrations have been requested to facilitate the movement of LPG delivery vehicles and personnel by issuing movement passes and providing necessary coordination so that distribution operations can continue without disruption.
The department also stressed the need for close coordination between district authorities and officials of OMCs to assess ground-level requirements, address logistical challenges and ensure timely replenishment of LPG stocks at distributor points.
