West Asia war: No fuel shortage in Maharashtra; govt urges citizens to avoid panic buying

Maharashtra government has clarified that there is no shortage of petroleum products in the state even as tensions in West Asia raised concerns about supply disruptionsThe state officials urged citizens to avoid panic buying assuring that petrol and diesel stocks are adequate and the situation has stabilisedAdditional Chief Secretary Anil Diggikar said that while there were some initial challenges in LPG supply due to dependence on imports from Gulf countries conditions are now improving ldquoPetrol and diesel stocks are adequate in the state The situation has stabilised LPG supply to the commercial sector has also been partially restoredrdquo he said reported PTIPhased restoration of LPG supplyAuthorities explained that LPG supply to commercial users was temporarily halted following central directives but has now been restored in phasesIn the first phase 20 per cent supply was allowed for essential services such as hospitals schools and government establishments The second phase extended another 20 per cent allocation to restaurants dhabas and community kitchens In the third phase priority was given to labour intensive industries like steel textiles dairy and pharmaceuticalsOfficials added that Maharashtra is currently 45ndash50 per cent selfsufficient in LPG helping maintain stabilityAdequate stock and strong supply networkThe state currently holds around 27000 metric tonnes of LPG enough for nearly three days In Mumbai and nearby areas 25ndash50 per cent of fuel supply comes from domestic production providing an added bufferThe supply network also remains robust with 24 depots and over 8000 petrol pumps across the state Daily consumption continues at around 18500 kilolitres of petrol and 40000 kilolitres of diesel with no drop in demand reported the news agencyAdditionally around 58 lakh LPG cylinders are supplied daily from 23 plants matching precrisis levelsAction against hoarding and black marketingTo prevent misuse the government has taken strict action against hoarding and black marketing Between March 1 and April 5 authorities conducted over 12000 inspections seizing thousands of cylinders and registering multiple FIRsOfficials said goods worth more than Rs 24 crore have been confiscated and monitoring committees are actively tracking fuel supply and distribution across the statePush for PNG and future planningThe government is also promoting Piped Natural Gas PNG as a more stable and costeffective alternative Efforts are being made to expand PNG networks in cities like Mumbai Thane and Pune with faster approvals and infrastructure supportConsumers in areas with PNG access have been asked to register by June 30 failing which LPG supply may be restricted in those regions However officials clarified that LPG supply will continue uninterrupted in areas where PNG is not feasible such as slums and difficult terrains as per PTIPNG is estimated to be 20ndash22 per cent cheaper than LPG and is seen as a safer and more sustainable optionPublic advised not to panicOfficials reiterated that there is no shortage of domestic LPG even in areas where concerns were raised Citizens have been advised not to visit distribution centres unnecessarily as an OTPbased home delivery system is already in placeWith stable stock levels phased supply restoration and strict monitoring the government emphasised that the situation is under control and there is no need for panicWith PTI Inputs