Gangtok, Mar 30: The Sikkim government has established a centralized State Control Room in Gangtok along with district-level hubs in all six districts to monitor and manage LPG distribution, following concerns over global supply disruptions due to the West Asia conflict and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

The Food & Civil Supplies Department stated that the round-the-clock control rooms aim to prevent black marketing, address consumer grievances, and ensure timely refills. Urban households are entitled to LPG refills every 25 days, while rural households receive them every 45 days. Commercial LPG supplies are being prioritized for hospitals and schools, with strict adherence to the Essential Commodities Act, 1955.

District authorities are required to report daily to the state hub, while oil companies including IOCL, HPCL, and BPCL are coordinating to maintain uninterrupted supply. Officials said the system will remain in effect until further notice, with immediate action planned against hoarding.

At the national level, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG) reported on March 29 that domestic LPG production remains robust, supported by full-capacity refineries and adequate crude reserves. Petrol and diesel supplies are also stable. To encourage piped natural gas (PNG) usage, city gas distribution companies including IGL, MGL, GAIL Gas, and BPCL are providing incentives for home and business connections. States that expedite CGD expansion are eligible for a 10% increase in commercial LPG allocation, with several states having applied for additional quotas.

Two LPG carriers, BW TYR and BW ELM, have safely transported 94,000 MT of LPG to India and are currently en route. The central government continues to focus on energy stability, maritime safety, and assistance for Indian citizens in the region following US-Israel strikes on Iran since February 28.