Amid concerns over a possible fuel and gas supply crisis due to the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict, the Maharashtra government has taken several measures to ensure the uninterrupted supply of LPG cylinders across the state.
The Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Protection Department has decided to establish statewide control rooms and district-level special committees to monitor the LPG supply chain and prevent any disruption in the distribution of domestic and commercial cooking gas cylinders.
Government Assures No Shortage of LPG
Additional Chief Secretary Anil Diggikar has directed all concerned agencies to closely monitor LPG distribution and take necessary steps to maintain smooth supply across Maharashtra.
The state government has clarified that there is no shortage of domestic LPG in Maharashtra, urging citizens not to panic.
According to official data, the availability of domestic LPG cylinders in March is higher compared to the previous six months. Authorities have been instructed to ensure that the supply chain remains unaffected despite current geopolitical tensions.
District-Level Committees to Monitor Supply
To prevent disruptions and ensure better coordination during emergencies, district-level committees will be formed across the state.
These committees will include:
- District Collectors
- Superintendents of Police
- District Supply Officers
- Officials from government gas companies
Their responsibilities will include monitoring LPG supply chains, maintaining law and order, and sending daily status reports to the government.
For the Mumbai–Thane rationing region, a separate committee will be formed under the Rationing Controller. This committee will include the Deputy Commissioner of Police and Deputy Controller (Rationing), while coordination with police authorities will be handled by the Joint Commissioner of Police (Administration).
Alternative Fuel Options May Be Considered
Officials have also been instructed to examine the possibility of using alternative fuels such as coal or kerosene if required, while ensuring strict compliance with Maharashtra Pollution Control Board regulations.
District committees will also hold meetings with hotel and restaurant associations to explore the use of alternative fuels wherever feasible.
Priority LPG Supply for Essential Services
The government has announced that essential service institutions will receive priority LPG supply. These include:
- Hospitals
- Government hostels
- Government schools and colleges
- Mid-Day Meal scheme kitchens
- Government-run Ashram schools
A separate priority list will be prepared to ensure uninterrupted gas supply for these institutions.
Measures to Prevent Panic and Rumors
To prevent panic among citizens, the government has arranged daily information updates through radio, FM channels, television, and print media.
The Directorate General of Information and Public Relations (DGIPR) along with district committees will handle communication. Authorities have also been instructed to take strict action against fake news and misinformation on social media.
Oil companies have been directed to quickly resolve technical issues in gas booking apps and missed-call services to avoid inconvenience for consumers.
Control Rooms and WhatsApp Complaint Facility
Control rooms will be set up at the state, divisional, district, and taluka levels to address supply issues. A WhatsApp-based grievance system will also be introduced so citizens can easily report complaints.
Local representatives and Gram Panchayat members will also be involved in spreading awareness and preventing panic about LPG availability.
Meanwhile, police authorities will provide security for LPG transport vehicles and gas agencies to ensure smooth distribution.
LPG Production Increased to Meet Demand
Maharashtra’s average daily LPG demand is around 9,000 metric tonnes. To meet the demand, refinery production has been increased from 9,000 metric tonnes to nearly 11,000 metric tonnes per day over the past two days.
The government reiterated that sufficient production and stock of domestic LPG are available in the state.
Adequate Availability of PNG, Petrol and Diesel
Officials also confirmed that there is adequate availability of piped natural gas (PNG), petrol, and diesel in Maharashtra.
Refineries in the state are operating at full capacity and producing approximately:
- 15,000 kilolitres of petrol per day
- 38,000 kilolitres of diesel per day
Government Appeals Citizens Not to Panic
The Maharashtra government has appealed to citizens not to panic or believe rumors about fuel shortages, assuring that all necessary arrangements have been made to maintain stable supply across the state.
