Mumbai, March 13: In response to the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict, the Maharashtra government has implemented crucial measures to maintain the supply of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) across the state. The Department of Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Protection has decided to establish control rooms statewide and form special committees at the district level to ensure uninterrupted delivery of domestic and commercial gas cylinders.
Anil Diggikar, the Additional Chief Secretary of the department, has instructed all relevant agencies to continuously monitor LPG distribution throughout Maharashtra and take necessary actions to maintain supply. The government has assured that there is no shortage of domestic LPG in the state, urging citizens not to panic.
According to government data, the availability of domestic LPG cylinders in March is higher than in the past six months. Given the current geopolitical situation, all agencies have been directed to ensure that gas supply remains uninterrupted.
To prevent potential disruptions in gas supply and enhance coordination during emergencies, district-level committees will be formed. These committees will include district collectors, police superintendents, district supply officers, and officials from all government gas companies.
The primary responsibilities of these committees will include monitoring the LPG supply chain, maintaining law and order, and reporting daily updates to the government. A separate committee will be established for the Mumbai-Thane rationing area, operating under the leadership of the rationing controller, which will include the deputy commissioner of police and the deputy controller (rationing). Coordination with all deputy commissioners in Mumbai and Thane will be managed by the Joint Commissioner of Police (Administration).
Officials have also been instructed to consider the use of alternative fuels such as coal or kerosene if necessary, while ensuring full compliance with all regulations set by the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board.
District-level committees will also hold meetings with hotel and restaurant associations to promote the use of alternative fuels wherever possible.
The government has clarified that institutions providing essential services, such as hospitals, government hostels, government schools and colleges, mid-day meal schemes, and government-run ashram schools, will receive priority in LPG cylinder supply. A list of these institutions will be prepared, and a separate priority order will be implemented to prevent any disruption in their services.
To prevent the spread of rumors or panic regarding gas supply, the government has established a special information dissemination system. Accurate information will be communicated to the public daily through radio, FM channels, television, and print media.
The Directorate of Information and Public Relations and district committees have been assigned the responsibility of this task. Additionally, strict action will be taken against false or misleading news circulating on social media.
Oil companies have been directed to promptly address technical issues related to gas booking apps and missed call services. Control rooms will also be set up at the state, division, district, and taluka levels. A WhatsApp facility will be made available for citizens to easily register their complaints.
In light of upcoming festivals, public institutions have been instructed to prioritize LPG supply. Local representatives and gram panchayat members will also be involved to ensure that citizens do not panic about gas supply. The police administration has been tasked with ensuring the safety of vehicles transporting LPG cylinders and gas agencies. The district administration, rationing controller, and oil companies have been directed to send daily updates on gas stock and supply status to the state-level control room.
Maharashtra’s average daily demand for LPG is approximately 9,000 metric tons. To meet this demand, refineries have increased LPG production from 9,000 metric tons to nearly 11,000 metric tons per day over the past two days. The government has reiterated that there is no shortage of domestic LPG in the state and that sufficient production and stock are available to meet demand.
For commercial LPG, allocations are being made based on the central government’s guidelines, prioritizing hospitals, mid-day meal schemes in schools, ashram schools, community kitchens, and messes in government educational institutions.
Additionally, there is a sufficient stock of piped natural gas (PNG) available for domestic use. The state also has ample availability of petrol and diesel. Maharashtra’s refineries are operating at full capacity, producing approximately 15,000 kiloliters of petrol and 38,000 kiloliters of diesel daily to meet market demand.
The government has appealed to citizens not to panic regarding fuel supply and not to believe any rumors, assuring that all necessary arrangements are firmly in place.
My name is Himanshu Tiwari. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including TECHNOLOGY, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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