APSC Answer Writing (Daily) based on Assam Tribune – 1/04/2026

Model answer

Model Answer

Introduction

Energy security is a critical component of economic stability and public welfare. While India has improved its energy availability, recent incidents like the LPG crisis in Assam highlight that distribution inefficiencies and governance failures, rather than resource scarcity, are often the primary causes of such crises.

Context: LPG Crisis in Assam

Recent reports indicate:

• Disruption of LPG supply to households and restaurants
• Commercial cylinders sold at inflated prices (₹3000–₹4000)
• Businesses forced to shift to alternative fuels

Importantly, supply data shows that:

• Adequate stock and production exist
• Crisis is driven by black marketing and distribution leakages

Why It Reflects Governance Inefficiency

1. Distribution Failures

• Weak last-mile delivery mechanisms
• Misallocation of cylinders

2. Black Marketing & Leakages

• Diversion of subsidized LPG into informal markets
• Lack of enforcement against illegal practices

3. Monitoring Deficit

• Absence of real-time tracking systems
• Poor regulatory oversight

4. Policy Implementation Gap

• Schemes like PAHAL (DBT) and Ujjwala Yojana exist
• But ground-level inefficiencies persist

5. Institutional Weakness

• Coordination gaps between:
  • Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs)
  • Local distributors
  • State authorities

Consequences

• Economic Impact:
  • Restaurants, small businesses suffer losses
• Social Impact:
  • Households face cooking fuel shortages
• Environmental Impact:
  • Shift to firewood/diesel → pollution increase
• Inflationary Pressure:
  • Rising food prices

Counter View (Resource Constraints Argument)

• Global factors:
  • West Asia conflict
  • Supply chain disruptions

👉 However, these act as secondary triggers, not primary causes.

Way Forward

1. End-to-End Digital Tracking

• GPS-based cylinder monitoring
• Aadhaar-linked supply chain

2. Strict Enforcement

• Crackdown on black marketing
• Strong penalties

3. Supply Chain Reforms

• Rational allocation based on consumption

4. Energy Diversification

• Promote PNG, electric cooking

5. Institutional Coordination

• Integrated monitoring mechanism

Conclusion

The LPG crisis in Assam demonstrates that availability without efficient governance leads to artificial scarcity. Strengthening transparency, accountability, and technology-driven delivery systems is essential to ensure equitable and reliable energy access, thereby transforming energy security from policy intent to ground reality.