Guwahati, March 26: Assam Chief Secretary Ravi Kota has reassured the public that there is no shortage of petrol and diesel in the state, urging citizens not to engage in panic buying that could disrupt normal supply.
In a post on microblogging site X, the Chief Secretary stated that the availability of fuel remains stable across the country, a position also reiterated by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas during a media interaction on Wednesday.
Kota also noted that the state is in an even more comfortable situation due to robust production from its four refineries: Numaligarh, Noonmati, Digboi, and Bongaigaon.
Additionally, combined output from these refineries significantly exceeds local consumption, ensuring a steady and reliable supply.
According to official data, Assam produces far more fuel than it consumes. The state utilizes only about 27% of its total petrol and diesel production, leaving a surplus of nearly 73%.
Meanwhile, on average, the four refineries together produce around 168 thousand metric tonnes of petrol and 403 thousand metric tonnes of diesel every month.
In contrast, monthly consumption within the state stands at approximately 63 thousand metric tonnes of petrol and 92 thousand metric tonnes of diesel.
However, the Chief Secretary cautioned that panic buying could create artificial shortages at certain outlets by pushing demand beyond normal levels, potentially triggering a cascading effect on distribution.
To further address public concerns, a joint team comprising senior officials from the Food & Civil Supplies Department, Indian Oil Corporation Limited (State Level Coordinator), and the Deputy Commissioner (Metro) will brief the media at 3 PM today at the DC Office (Metro).
The government has also issued a stern warning against the illegal storage of fuel. Police will register criminal cases against individuals purchasing petrol or diesel in loose containers. Such actions may attract penalties under Section 285 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for negligent handling of combustible materials.
Additional provisions under the Petroleum Act, 1934, and the Explosives Act, 1884, may also be invoked for unauthorised storage and unsafe handling practices.
