Shillong, March 17: The state government has sought increase in Central allocations of LPG for the state citing its crucial tourism sector where hotels are running short of cooking gas even as schools, hospitals and anganwadi kendras are safeguarded from the crisis.
“We have spoken to the central ministry because Meghalaya is one of the tourist spots, and we need more commercial LPG,” Food and Civil Supplies Minister Methodius Dkhar told reporters on Tuesday.
However, he said, “They are trying to manage more for us, but they have not been able to assure us of 100% supply.”
Asserting that domestic households are not affected, he said, “We reviewed the situation and are concentrating on domestic supply to ensure there is no shortage.”
According to official reports, domestic LPG stocks are sufficient until March 31.
Commercial distribution, however, is being rationed by priority.
“Schools, hospitals and anganwadis come first; hotels will have to manage for some time,” Dkhar said, noting “a little shortage here and there” for the commercial category.
Consumers cautioned against panic buying
Meanwhile, East Khasi Hills district administration said domestic LPG supplies are stable and sufficient, urging households not to panic‑book or hoard cylinders as a small transit backlog is cleared.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Deputy Commissioner (Supply) said oil marketing companies and distributors confirmed regular distribution is being maintained without disruption.
“The current stock position is stable and sufficient to meet the requirements of consumers across the district,” the release stated, noting that transit issues have delayed clearing the backlog from 1.2 to 1.4 days.
“The public is advised not to resort to panic booking or unnecessary hoarding of LPG cylinders, as such practices may create artificial shortages and cause inconvenience to other consumers,” it added.
Residents were asked to book as per normal requirement through regular channels and switch to manual booking with agencies if online booking fails.
The administration encouraged consumers to complete e‑KYC verifications for smooth distribution and said authorities are closely monitoring supply to ensure continuity.
Concerns or irregularities can be reported to distributors or the Deputy Commissioner (Supply).
