Maharashtra govt sets up control rooms, district panels to track LPG situation

Mumbai: The Maharashtra government said it has set up control rooms and district-level committees to ensure uninterrupted supply of LPG amid the West Asia crisis, asserting that there is no shortage of the fuel for domestic consumers.

An official release issued on Thursday said Anil Diggikar, Additional Chief Secretary of the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Protection Department, has directed authorities to take necessary steps to maintain smooth supply and closely monitor LPG distribution across the state.

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The department said there is no shortage of domestic LPG in Maharashtra and citizens need not panic, claiming that the availability of domestic cylinders in March is higher than the supply recorded during the last six months.

"To avoid disruption in supply and ensure coordination in case of any shortage, district-level committees will be formed under district collectors. These panels will include the superintendent of police, district supply officer and officials from government oil companies.

"Their responsibilities will include monitoring the LPG supply chain, maintaining law and order and submitting daily reports on the situation," the release said.

In the Mumbai-Thane rationing area, a separate committee will function under the Controller of Rationing, it said, with members including the deputy commissioner of police and deputy controller (rationing).

The government said essential services such as hospitals, government hostels, government school and college mess facilities, the mid-day meal scheme and ashram schools will be given priority supply of LPG cylinders.

Authorities have also been asked to explore the use of alternative fuels such as coal or kerosene, while following norms of the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board.

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The state has directed officials to spread daily information through radio, FM channels, television and print media to prevent rumours regarding gas supply, adding that action will be taken over fake or misleading information circulated on social media.

Oil companies have also been instructed to resolve technical issues related to gas booking apps and missed-call services. Control rooms will operate at the state, divisional, district and taluka levels, and a WhatsApp facility will be provided for grievance redressal.

Officials said on Thursday that the state's average daily LPG demand was around 9,000 metric tonnes, while production at refineries had been increased to about 11,000 metric tonnes per day over the past two days to meet demand.

They added that adequate stock of Piped Natural Gas was available for domestic use, and the state also had sufficient reserves of petrol and diesel, with refineries operating at full capacity to meet the market demand, producing approximately 15,000 kilolitres of petrol and 38,000 kilolitres of diesel per day.

The government has asked citizens not to panic regarding fuel supply, assuring adequate arrangements have been made to meet all requirements, the release added.