Andhra Pradesh Minister Reassures Public on LPG Supply, Cracks Down on Misinformation
In a firm address to the media on Monday, Civil Supplies, Food and Consumer Affairs Minister Nadendla Manohar emphatically stated that there is no shortage of LPG cylinders for domestic use in Andhra Pradesh. He urged citizens to remain calm and not succumb to panic fueled by baseless rumors circulating on social media platforms.
Review Meeting and Government Directives
Minister Manohar detailed the outcomes of a high-level review meeting chaired by Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, focusing on the state's LPG distribution network. The chief minister has issued clear instructions to officials to ensure seamless delivery of gas cylinders to consumers at the grassroots level, eliminating any potential inconveniences, Manohar explained.
Addressing the Surge in Bookings and Supply Statistics
The minister attributed a recent spike in LPG bookings to misinformation spreading online, which temporarily overwhelmed booking servers. However, he clarified that the state is currently supplying more cylinders than the average daily demand. Andhra Pradesh typically records around 2.81 lakh LPG bookings per day. Over the past five days, oil and gas companies have delivered an average of 2.92 lakh cylinders daily, with some days seeing nearly 3 lakh deliveries.
Manohar reminded consumers of central government guidelines: new LPG cylinders can only be booked after 45 days in rural areas and 25 days in urban areas. He appealed to the public to adhere to these norms and utilize various booking channels, including:
- Mobile applications
- Phone calls
- WhatsApp services
- Missed call systems
- Digital payment platforms
Strict Measures Against Irregularities
To combat malpractices, the government has implemented a mandatory OTP verification system for cylinder deliveries. This measure is designed to curb black marketing, prevent overcharging, and stop the diversion of domestic cylinders for commercial purposes, Manohar emphasized.
He noted that 95% of LPG consumers in the state have completed e-KYC formalities, though some issues persist for users who changed phone numbers, with officials actively resolving these cases.
Enforcement Actions and Grievance Redressal
Enforcement teams have ramped up vigilance across Andhra Pradesh. In just the last five days, authorities registered 616 cases and seized 2,500 cylinders involved in illegal diversion and black marketing activities. Additionally, district-level call centers have been established to address public grievances promptly.
Assurances and Monitoring Mechanisms
Gas companies have assured Chief Minister Naidu that there will be no shortage of domestic LPG cylinders in the state. To ensure transparency and efficiency, hourly data sharing has been initiated to closely monitor supply chains. This system aims to guarantee uninterrupted distribution to households, as well as critical institutions like schools, hospitals, temples, and welfare hostels.
Minister Manohar reiterated that the situation is fully under control and once again urged people not to panic, trusting in the government's robust measures to maintain steady LPG supply.
