Maharashtra Government Issues Stern Warning on PNG Adoption in Urban Centers
In a significant policy announcement, Maharashtra's Food and Civil Supplies Minister Chhagan Bhujbal has declared that residents in cities and municipalities with access to piped natural gas (PNG) must apply for the service or face the potential loss of their liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) connections within a three-month timeframe. This directive, unveiled on Monday, targets urban areas where PNG infrastructure is either operational or under active development.
Mandatory PNG Applications to Safeguard LPG Supply
Minister Bhujbal emphasized the urgency of compliance, stating, "We have identified that in regions where PNG is accessible, certain individuals have not yet opted for this facility." He clarified that the mandate applies exclusively to urban locales where PNG is available or where pipeline installation is in progress. Residents who submit applications but experience delays in service activation will continue to receive LPG without interruption. However, those who fail to apply altogether risk discontinuation of their LPG supply after the stipulated three-month period.
Exemptions for Rural Maharashtra and Areas Without PNG
Importantly, Bhujbal highlighted that this regulation does not extend to rural parts of Maharashtra or any regions lacking PNG infrastructure. "My statement pertains solely to cities and municipalities where PNG is already operational or where implementation has commenced," he affirmed. This distinction ensures that households in non-urban settings remain unaffected by the new requirements.
Government Addresses Cylinder Hoarding and Black-Marketing
Amid concerns over cylinder availability, the minister reassured the public that the Government of India maintains adequate stockpiles. He cautioned against hoarding, noting, "Artificial shortages are being created through cylinder hoarding. This practice must cease immediately." To combat illicit activities, authorities have already arrested approximately 27 individuals involved in black-marketing cylinders, underscoring the government's commitment to stabilizing supply chains.
Enhanced Ration Distribution Measures
In a related development, Bhujbal announced an expansion in ration distribution protocols. The public will now be permitted to collect three months' worth of ration in a single transaction, a move designed to streamline access and reduce frequent visits to distribution centers. "We possess sufficient reserves to facilitate this three-month ration lift at one time," he stated, aiming to alleviate logistical burdens on citizens.
This comprehensive approach by the Maharashtra government seeks to accelerate PNG adoption in urban areas while ensuring resource availability and curbing malpractices in the energy sector.
