State seeks 50-60 pc increase in LPG allocations
Shillong, March 26: Amid looming threat of a global energy crisis, the state government has assured that there is no shortage of petrol and diesel in Meghalaya so far.
As of now in Meghalaya, we don’t have a shortage of petrol and diesel,” Minister in-charge Food Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs Methodius Dkhar told reporters on Thursday.
“Regarding the situation all around the world, there is an anticipation that there could be some supply shortage, but that is not confirmed,” he said.
Attributing the public apprehension to the conflict in Middle-East, the minister assured that the situation is being closely monitored.
“If the war continues for some time, that situation may arise, but that is how we looked at it. But as of now, there is no shortage as such,” he said.
Stating that the government has not received any reports of shortage or hoarding as yet, he said, “The DC and district administration are monitoring the situation, and we have instructed dealers not to resort to any activities that could lead to shortage or hoarding.”
Asked about the possibility of implementing the odd-even formula for vehicles, Dkhar said, “As of now, that situation has not arisen. However, if shortage is there, then we will see what is the best formula that we can take forward to ease the situation and ensure the public is not suffering.”
Meanwhile, Dkhar said, the state government had requested the Centre to increase LPG supply to Meghalaya by 50-60 per cent, citing the state’s tourism industry and dependence on it.
“We have written to the union minister to increase the cap supply that they have given to the state. Day before yesterday and yesterday also, we received better supply in terms of commercial cylinders…”
He, however, admitted that while there is no shortage of LPG for domestic use, there is a gap in supply for commercial cylinders.
“If we need 100 cylinders, we are getting 100, but as of now, we have a gap supply of 20 per cent. So, if there is a requirement of 100, now we will be getting 20 per cent of it,” he said.
The Minister attributed the shortage to the cap imposed by the Centre and urged reconsideration, given Meghalaya’s status as a tourist destination.
“With the same argument, we have asked the Centre to reconsider this cap supply and to increase supply of LPG in Meghalaya from 20 per cent to 50 or 60 per cent,” he said.
Dkhar assured that the government is taking steps to ensure no hoarding or black-marketing, with committees headed by the Chief Secretary and district administration monitoring the situation.
“As of now, there will be some shortage to the restaurants and hotels, but the situation has improved compared to the last two-three weeks, and action has been taken from my side and department to increase the supply of LPG,” he added.
