Our Bureau
SHILLONG, March 26: Meghalaya’s fuel security is walking a tightrope as the state government admitted on Thursday that the “surplus” buffer for domestic LPG has evaporated, while a central supply cap has slashed commercial gas availability by 20% across the state.
Food and Civil Supplies Minister Methodius Dkhar told reporters that while there is currently no outright shortage of domestic LPG, the cushion the state once enjoyed is gone. “During normal times, we used to have surplus availability, which is not the case now,” the minister said. He added that domestic cylinders will now be distributed strictly as per routine to prevent panic and oversupply.
The situation is more critical for the commercial sector. Dkhar confirmed a 20% cap on supply imposed by the central ministry, meaning the state is receiving significantly fewer cylinders than required. The state government has written to the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas to request an increase in the capping limit for Meghalaya.
To prevent illegal hoarding and black marketing during this period of tight supply, the state has constituted supervision committees at both the district and state levels.
The minister also raised concerns regarding petrol and diesel, admitting that global volatility linked to the conflict in the Middle East could trigger local shortages. While no panic buying has been reported yet, dealers have been strictly directed not to resort to hoarding.
Dkhar warned that if global supply chains remain strained, the state may have to “work out a formula”
to manage local distribution—a signal that austerity measures or rationing could be introduced if the situation persists.
Commercial gas blow for city’s hospitality sector
The hospitality sector in Shillong is facing a crisis due to an acute shortage of commercial LPG cylinders, a situation reportedly triggered by disruptions linked to the ongoing geopolitical tensions involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.
Hotels, restaurants, and eateries across the city are struggling to maintain operations as supplies of commercial LPG remain inconsistent. While many establishments have attempted to adapt by switching to electric induction stoves and other appliances, these alternatives have proven insufficient to meet full operational demands.
As a result, several food outlets have been forced to scale down their menu offerings, particularly dishes that require high gas consumption. Industry stakeholders warn that if the supply crisis persists, many eateries may be compelled to shut down.
East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner (Supply), Rosetta M. Kurbah, stated that commercial LPG cylinders are currently being distributed strictly based on stock availability.
She further said that priority has been given to essential institutions such as hospitals and hostels, following directives from the Ministry to ensure uninterrupted services in critical sectors.
Kurbah clarified that there is no fixed waiting period for commercial LPG cylinders, as distribution depends entirely on available stock.
However, for domestic LPG consumers, she said that waiting periods for 10 kg and 14.2 kg cylinders have been specified as 18 days and 25 days.
She confirmed that domestic LPG supplies remain unaffected for now. However, consumers are required to complete the mandatory eKYC process, including Aadhaar seeding and biometric verification, in order to continue booking refills.
The proprietor of Sukbha Gas Agency and general secretary of the Meghalaya Indane Distributors Association, Filita Syiem, emphasised that eKYC compliance is compulsory for all domestic LPG users.
She added that customers unable to visit gas agency offices can complete biometric verification through the Indian Oil One mobile application, though Aadhaar linkage must still be completed at the agency office.
Syiem said that beneficiaries under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana will receive LPG refills 45 days after their last delivery, while non-PMUY customers will have a waiting period of 25 days.
Meanwhile, hotel operators in Shillong say the crisis is severely affecting their daily functioning.
A general manager of a prominent city hotel noted that reduced LPG supply has forced them to discontinue several menu items and cut down on food preparation.
“We are trying to cope by using induction heaters and reducing gas consumption, but it is becoming increasingly difficult to sustain operations,” the manager said, adding that communication with distributors has also become challenging due to supply constraints.
Another hotel representative stated that their daily LPG consumption has dropped drastically due to limited availability, forcing them to curtail breakfast menus and other services.
“Commercial LPG cylinders were last procured at ₹2,200 each. We are willing to pay even higher if the supply remains uncertain,” he said.
Stakeholders have appealed to the state government to intervene and explore alternative arrangements to ensure an uninterrupted supply of commercial LPG.
They warned that without timely action, the crisis could lead to widespread closures in the hospitality sector, affecting both businesses and livelihoods.
Despite the challenges, hotel operators maintain that they are striving to serve customers without increasing prices, though options remain limited due to the ongoing shortage.
