By Agartala Correspondent | Tripura 24.in AGARTALA | April 4, 2026
AGARTALA: To address mounting public concern over potential supply chain disruptions, the Department of Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Affairs held a comprehensive press briefing today at Khadya Bhawan, Gurkhabosti. Addressing the media at 3:30 PM, the Special Secretary of the department provided a detailed update on the state’s fuel and cooking gas reserves in light of the intensifying conflict in West Asia.
The briefing was aimed at dispelling rumors of an impending shortage and preventing “panic buying” at petrol pumps and LPG agencies.
Stable Stocks and Normal Distribution
The Special Secretary, Shri Debapriya Bardhan, categorically stated that Tripura currently possesses adequate stocks of Petrol, Diesel, and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG). Despite the geopolitical tensions impacting global crude markets, the state’s supply lines remain robust and are being monitored at the highest levels.
Current Supply Status:
- Petrol & Diesel: The department confirmed that fuel reserves are being maintained at levels “almost the same as normal times.” Regular consignments continue to arrive via rail and road without disruption.
- LPG Bottling: Operations at the Bodhjungnagar (R.K. Nagar) Bottling Plant are in full swing. This plant currently services five districts, while the remaining three districts are being supplied through Silchar.
- PNG & CNG: With over 70,000 Piped Natural Gas (PNG) connections in the state, the supply remains perfectly normal. Although minor price revisions were noted earlier this week by TNGCL, the physical availability of gas is not under threat.
Prioritized Distribution Strategy
To ensure that essential services are not affected, the government has implemented a prioritized supply mechanism.
”We are ensuring 100% supply to priority sectors such as healthcare and education. While commercial LPG supplies are being managed at approximately 70–90% to maintain a healthy buffer, domestic consumers will face no constraints. The supply chain is completely normal, and I urge the citizens not to pay heed to any rumors of a crisis,” the Special Secretary asserted.
Crushing Artificial Scarcity
The department has activated a state and district-level monitoring committee to prevent hoarding and black marketing.
Enforcement Measures:
- Regular Market Vigil: The Food Department, in coordination with sub-divisional administrations, is conducting surprise checks at retail outlets and godowns.
- Anti-Hoarding Orders: Strict instructions have been issued to dealers to ensure fair distribution. Selling fuel in containers or bottles remains prohibited under the Petroleum Act to prevent unsafe storage and artificial scarcity.
- Monitoring: Chief Secretary J.K. Sinha is personally reviewing the supply reports on a daily basis to ensure that the state remains “on guard” against any evolving global situation.
Call for Public Cooperation
The government has appealed to the public to maintain their regular consumption patterns. Officials emphasized that the “panic buying” witnessed at some Agartala petrol pumps over the last few days is unnecessary, as the state has enough inventory to meet requirements for at least the next month.
The briefing concluded with an assurance that the present monitoring system will remain in place as long as the West Asia conflict continues, ensuring that Tripura’s energy security remains uncompromised.
