Itanagar, Mar 13: In view of the evolving international energy supply chain situation, the Department of Food and Civil Supplies, Govt of Arunachal Pradesh on Friday held a review meeting on the supply and availability of Petroleum, Oil and Lubricants (POL) products and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) in the state.
The meeting, held at the Civil Secretariat, was chaired by Food and Civil Supplies Minister Gabriel D Wangsu and co-chaired by Chief Secretary Manish Kumar Gupta. It was attended by Food & Civil Supplies Secretary Bullo Mamu, Director Tayek Pado, State Level Coordinator of Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) Millo Chada, along with Deputy Commissioners and District Food and Civil Supplies Officers from across the state.
During the meeting, the State Level Coordinator of OMCs informed that the supply of LPG and other POL products in Arunachal Pradesh is currently operating normally, with adequate stocks maintained to meet public demand. Distribution is being closely monitored to ensure uninterrupted availability across districts.
As a precautionary step to ensure equitable distribution, a minimum waiting period of 25 days between domestic LPG cylinder bookings has been introduced. LPG bookings are being processed through digital platforms, while deliveries are verified using the Delivery Authentication Code (DAC) system.
The meeting was also informed that LPG supply to commercial establishments is presently being regulated, with priority given to households and essential sectors such as education and healthcare. A public helpline will also be established by the SLC (OMCs) to address concerns related to LPG and POL supply.
Additionally, for LPG supply to non-domestic establishments other than the education and healthcare sectors, a three-member committee constituted by the Ministry of Petroleum and Renewable Energy will review representations from other sectors.
Officials stated that the Department of Food and Civil Supplies, in coordination with district administrations, will continue to closely monitor supply and availability to prevent artificial shortages. Hoarding of LPG and POL products has been declared illegal and will invite action under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955 and other relevant regulations.
Minister Gabriel D Wangsu said the situation remains under control and urged all stakeholders to act responsibly to avoid creating unnecessary public concern. He also appealed to citizens to refrain from spreading or acting upon unverified information regarding LPG or fuel supply in the state.
Chief Secretary Manish Kumar Gupta advised that while current stocks are adequate, households should use LPG judiciously. Commercial establishments may, where feasible and with permission from the Arunachal Pradesh State Pollution Control Board, explore temporary use of alternative fuels such as kerosene or coal.