Amid LPG supply concerns linked to the West Asia conflict, the Maharashtra Government has directed city gas firms to expand piped natural gas (PNG) connections, activate 24/7 helplines, and improve access to ensure uninterrupted fuel supply for households
Representational image. File pic
Amid the concerning LPG crisis since the West Asia conflict, the Maharashtra government on Friday directed city gas distribution companies to activate 24/7 helplines and increase the number of centres processing applications for piped natural gas connections.
While the impact of the West Asia crisis on global energy supply chains has been immense, a Government Resolution (GR), issued by the Food and Civil Supplies Department on Friday, instructed companies to expand outreach and infrastructure to ensure wider PNG coverage across the state, as per PTI.
As reported by news agency PTI, the GR said disruptions in global energy supply have affected petroleum product availability, leading to constraints in LPG supply, and emphasised the need to accelerate PNG connections as a short-term mitigation measure.
It directed city gas distribution (CGD) companies to operationalise 24-hour helplines for consumers and ensure citizens do not face inconvenience while applying for connections.
The companies were also asked to increase the number of helplines and helpdesks based on city population and rising demand.
Government instructs companies to escalate PNG connections
Furthermore, the GR also instructed companies to expand ward-level centres to accept new PNG connection applications and to make both online and offline application systems widely available with adequate publicity.
The GR noted, "Housing societies, whether registered or proposed, as well as residents of constructed buildings, have been asked to submit collective or individual applications to facilitate faster rollout of PNG connections," as cited by PTI.
The government also called for establishing information and assistance centres by municipal corporations, district supply officers and CGD firms and mandated regular district-level reviews of progress.
The GR also added, "To monitor implementation, CGD companies must appoint district-level nodal officers and submit weekly progress reports on PNG pipeline expansion and connections, which will be consolidated and reviewed at the state level every Monday," as per PTI.
The GR said the directions will remain in force until the prevailing global geopolitical situation stabilises.
No disruption in LPG shipments, says Petroleum Secretary Neeraj Mittal
Earlier on April 9, Neeraj Mittal said India’s LPG supply is fully stable with no shortages, and shipments via the Strait of Hormuz continue without delays. The government is monitoring the situation daily and focusing on diversification to strengthen energy security despite global tension.
Speaking with the media, Mittal said there is no shortage of LPG in the country, and domestic supplies are fully stable.
"I don't see any problem anywhere. All domestic supplies are at 100 per cent," he said, adding that around 70 per cent of packed LPG has already been issued.
(With inputs from PTI and ANI)
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
