Gangtok (Gurpreet Singh): The Government of Sikkim has established 24/7 control rooms across all six districts to monitor and regulate the distribution of LPG cylinders, according to a notification issued on Monday, March 30, 2026. Food and Civil Supplies Secretary Devariya Bardhan stated that these measures are a direct response to the ongoing West Asia conflict, which has severely disrupted the global supply of cooking gas. The state-level and district-level control rooms aim to ensure a steady supply, improve coordination between distributors, and provide a dedicated platform for the timely redressal of public grievances.
To manage the limited inventory, the state has implemented a strict rationing schedule for domestic refills. Residents in urban areas will now be eligible for a refill once every 25 days, while those in rural areas will follow a 45-day cycle. In the commercial sector, the government has mandated that priority be given to essential services, specifically hospitals and educational institutions. Dedicated helpline numbers have been launched to allow citizens to report shortages or seek assistance, ensuring that the distribution process remains transparent and organized.
The notification further directs local authorities to maintain a high vigil against hoarding, black marketing, and panic buying. The Secretary warned that any instances of overcharging or malpractice by distributors would meet with strict legal action. These emergency regulations will remain in effect until the global energy situation stabilizes. This move by the Sikkim administration follows a similar federal directive allowing kerosene sales at petrol pumps to mitigate the impact of the fuel shortage across the country.
