Maharashtra Officials Confirm Adequate Fuel and LPG Supply, Launch Control Room
State officials in Maharashtra emphasized on Monday that the supply of petrol, diesel, and domestic LPG cylinders is fully adequate, with no shortages reported. This reassurance follows announcements by civil supplies minister Chhagan Bhujbal during the recently concluded legislature session.
New Initiatives for LPG Distribution and Complaint Resolution
To streamline operations and address public concerns, a state-level control room has been established specifically for handling complaints related to LPG supply. Additionally, a dedicated WhatsApp helpline (9769919221) is now active for easier access. Officials have also implemented police protection measures for LPG vehicles, gas agencies, and distribution staff to ensure safe and uninterrupted service.
Public Advisory and Booking Procedures
Officials appealed to the public to avoid queuing up for LPG cylinders and instead book them online for home delivery. Maharashtra has approximately 3.5 crore LPG consumers. Data shows that average daily refills since April 3 were 5.8 crore, slightly down from 5.9 crore in January. To ensure equitable distribution, a 25-day booking restriction period is in effect in urban areas. Once an order is placed, delivery is guaranteed within 3 to 4 days.
LPG Stock Levels and Production Capacity
State rationing controller Chandrakant Dange revealed that Maharashtra currently holds LPG stocks of 27,000 tonnes, sufficient to last three days. The state also boasts domestic production capability that can meet 45-50% of its total LPG requirements. For migrant labourers, 5kg refill cylinders are being provided, with around 27,600 supplied daily to support this vulnerable group.
Transition to Piped Natural Gas (PNG) and Regulatory Measures
Officials reiterated that it is mandatory for citizens and commercial establishments to apply for piped natural gas (PNG) in areas where it is available or where pipeline installation is underway. In such regions, LPG supply will be discontinued from June 30. Dange clarified that this policy primarily applies to urban areas and excludes slum regions where PNG lines cannot be feasibly laid. As of February, the state had 42.3 lakh PNG connections, with an increase of 73,000 last month.
Infrastructure and Enforcement Actions
The state has issued directives to expedite PNG connections, including assuming deemed permission for pending applications with authorities like the BMC and public works and irrigation departments. Pipeline laying operations are now permitted 24 hours a day to accelerate progress. On the enforcement front, the state has taken strong action against black marketing, seizing 21 transport vehicles, filing 53 FIRs, and arresting 36 individuals. Seizures include 3,628 LPG cylinders and 71,565kg of LPG, valued at approximately Rs 2.4 crore.
Requests to the Central Government and Distribution Monitoring
Maharashtra has requested the Centre to increase its stock of 5kg LPG refills by 25% to better cater to migrant labourers and to raise the LPG quota for autos. Additionally, the state received 3,744 kilolitres of kerosene from the Centre this week, which is being distributed through fair price shops across all districts. A state-level committee is actively monitoring the supply and distribution of fuel and LPG, with district committees established to prevent any disruptions and ensure smooth operations.
