Indian Oil Corporation has assured northeastern states that they will not face any shortage of LPG cylinders during the nationwide lockdown and said the stocks were adequate.

G. Ramesh, chief general manager and state head of Indian Oil — AOD state office, said, “The demand for LPG cylinders across the Northeast has shot up owing to panic buying by customers in view of the lockdown. But we will request the public not to resort to panic buying of cylinders.”

He assured there was adequate availability of LPG cylinders in the market.

“Domestic LPG, being covered under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, will continue to be available in the market even if there is a complete lockdown. All the 11 LPG bottling plants of IOC across the Northeast are currently operating at full capacity, following all safety protocols. They will continue to do so ensuring continuous supply of domestic LPG cylinders,” Ramesh said.

He said there would be no restriction in the movement of trucks supplying LPG cylinders from the bottling plants to the distributors.

All IOC distributors are operating and ensuring delivery of LPG cylinders through delivery partners, he added.

“We are also ensuring that all necessary safety precautions are being taken by employees as well as our channel partners and delivery partners so we can continue to serve the public,” Ramesh said.