Guwahati, Nov 15 (IANS): Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi Friday said there is no scarcity of salt in the state and there is no need to panic.

The police have arrested seven persons so far for spreading rumours in the state.

Gogoi appealed to people not to go for panic buying of salt as there is no scarcity at all. "There is no salt crisis as such in the state. Some vested circles are trying to create panic by spreading rumours about the scarcity of the essential commodity and create a law and order situation," he said.

He said the district administrations and police have been asked to prevent hoarding and black marketing of salt.

The chief minister also asked the Principal Secretary, Food & Civil Supplies Department, to take latest stocks of salt available.

Meanwhile, the Food & Civil Supplies department said the state has 6,79,536 bags and packets of salt available to last for at least next six months.

People in different parts of Assam resorted to panic buying of salt since Thursday evening after reports about a salt scarcity in Bihar which halted supply to Assam. According to the people they have bought salt at Rs.100 per kg as it was essential for cooking.