The Aryavarth Express Gangtok (Sikkim) [India], March 30 : The Government of Sikkim has established a centralised State Control Room in Gangtok along with district-level control rooms across all six districts to closely monitor and regulate LPG distribution. The decision comes in response to concerns over potential supply disruptions arising from the ongoing conflict in West Asia.
According to the Food & Civil Supplies Department, these control rooms will function круглосуточно to ensure smooth LPG distribution, curb black marketing, and address public grievances. Authorities have also introduced a regulated refill system, allowing domestic LPG refills every 25 days in urban areas and every 45 days in rural regions.
To ensure essential services remain unaffected, priority in commercial LPG supply will be given to hospitals and educational institutions. Strict enforcement of the Essential Commodities Act, 1955 has been mandated, along with daily reporting from district units to the State Control Room.
Major oil companies such as Indian Oil Corporation, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited, and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited are coordinating with the state government to ensure uninterrupted LPG supply. Officials have warned of strict action against any malpractice and confirmed that these measures will remain in force until further notice.
At the national level, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas is maintaining continuous oversight to ensure energy security. In light of the ongoing disruptions, including the continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz, the government has implemented proactive steps to maintain steady availability of petroleum products and LPG across the country.
India’s refineries are currently operating at high capacity with sufficient crude reserves, while domestic LPG production has been ramped up. City gas distribution companies like Indraprastha Gas Limited, Mahanagar Gas Limited, GAIL Gas Limited, and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited are promoting PNG connections as a long-term alternative.
Additionally, the Centre has offered states a 10 percent increase in commercial LPG allocation if they accelerate the transition to piped natural gas infrastructure. Several states have already applied for this additional allocation.
In a positive development, two LPG carriers—BW TYR and BW ELM—carrying a combined cargo of around 94,000 metric tonnes have safely passed through critical routes and are en route to Indian shores, helping to bolster supply stability.
