Assam Police warns of strict action if found spreading rumours about LPG shortage

Guwahati: With rumour leading to panic of an impending LPG crisis, the Assam Police have issued strict warning against those spreading rumours about shortage of LPG, POL and other petroleum products.

As per the direction of the Ministry of Petroleum, the government has also decided to issue fresh LPG cylinders after a gap of 25 days of delivery of the previous cylinder. This was done in order to stop panic buying by the people.

"Strict legal action will be taken against anyone trying to spread rumours about shortages of LPG, POL and other petroleum products.


Citizens are advised not to believe or forward such any misleading claims that may be spread by inimical elements to try and create confusion," shared the Assam police on its social media handle on Thursday.

Assam Chief Secretary Ravi Kota on Wednesday attended a meeting with the Union Home Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs, along with Chief Secretaries and Directors General of Police of States and Union Territories, to assess the availability and supply position of LPG and diesel across the country.

During the meeting, the State Level Coordinator of Indian Oil Corporation Limited reviewed the LPG supply position in Assam and informed that the overall situation in the state remains comfortable, and adequate stock is currently available.

" It was also noted that local refineries are expected to meet about 30 percent of the state’s LPG demand and have been requested to step up production to ensure adequate supply," officials said.

In view of advisories issued by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas to prevent panic buying, it was reiterated that fresh LPG cylinders should not be delivered before twenty-five days from the date of the previous purchase. Priority in LPG supply will continue to be given to health institutions, educational institutions and households.

To ensure close monitoring of the situation, a high-powered committee at the level of the Chief Secretary has been constituted with the concerned departments to regularly review the supply position. In addition, a dedicated media monitoring committee has been set up to track rumours, misinformation and misleading reports that may create panic among consumers. Enforcement agencies have been directed to take strict action against individuals or entities spreading false information or attempting to create panic regarding fuel availability.

The Government of Assam is closely monitoring the situation and has assured that adequate measures are in place to ensure uninterrupted supply of essential fuel commodities across the state.

Meanwhile Guwahati Tea Auction Buyers Association stated that a potential shortage of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) in parts of India could create an unexpected opportunity for the country’s instant beverage segment, with industry observers expecting a rise in demand for instant tea products.

Dinesh BIhani, Secretary, Guwahati Tea Auction Buyers Association stated, “Tea preparation in most Indian households traditionally requires boiling water, milk, and tea leaves on an LPG stove. However, supply disruptions or rising LPG prices often push consumers to adopt quicker and more energy-efficient alternatives. Instant tea, which requires only hot water for preparation, could benefit from this shift”.

He added, “Unlike conventional tea, instant tea can be prepared using electric kettles, induction heaters, or office water boilers, significantly reducing dependence on cooking gas. This makes it particularly attractive for urban households, offices, travel hubs, and small food outlets where LPG usage may become constrained.Market participants say the trend could accelerate the growth of the value-added tea segment, which includes instant tea powders, premixes, and ready-to-drink beverages”.

He said, “These products rely on processed tea extracts and offer convenience along with longer shelf life. India, one of the world’s largest tea producers, has been gradually expanding its instant tea manufacturing capabilities. Industry experts believe that any prolonged LPG supply disruption could further encourage consumers to shift toward instant beverage formats.For tea-producing regions such as Assam, this shift could open new avenues for value addition and export opportunities, particularly as global demand for convenient beverage solutions continues to rise”.

He added, “While traditional brewed tea remains deeply ingrained in Indian culture, changing consumption patterns driven by convenience and energy efficiency may provide a significant boost to the instant tea market in the coming months”.