Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu Confirms Ample LPG Reserves, Directs Officials to Ensure Uninterrupted Supply
Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu announced on Tuesday that Andhra Pradesh possesses adequate LPG reserves to meet public demand for the next 15 days, urging citizens to remain calm and avoid unnecessary concern. The state currently maintains a stockpile of approximately 14,000 metric tonnes of LPG, with an additional 24,000 metric tonnes readily available at Visakhapatnam facilities.
Comprehensive Review of Gas Infrastructure and Distribution Systems
During a high-level meeting with officials from the Real-Time Gas Supply (RTGS) system, Naidu conducted an extensive review of LPG stock levels, cylinder distribution mechanisms, and the existing piped gas network infrastructure. He issued clear directives to ensure the continuous and uninterrupted supply of gas cylinders to consumers across the state, emphasizing the importance of preventing any inconvenience to households.
The Chief Minister specifically instructed officials to implement stringent measures against the diversion of cylinders into black market channels. He emphasized the effective utilization of e-KYC and OTP-based verification systems to monitor and control distribution, ensuring that subsidized cylinders reach intended beneficiaries without illicit diversion.
Short-Term Production Boost and Long-Term Infrastructure Development
Naidu directed gas companies to immediately increase production capacity in the short term while simultaneously improving distribution efficiency to better meet escalating public demand. He also called for a thorough examination of alternative cooking solutions that could be deployed rapidly, including assessing the availability and distribution potential of induction stoves throughout Andhra Pradesh.
The Chief Minister placed particular emphasis on accelerating the expansion of piped gas connections as a sustainable alternative to traditional LPG cylinders. He directed officials to expedite the rollout of the City Gas Distribution (CGD) network across the state, stressing the importance of utilizing domestically produced natural gas and supplying it directly to consumers through an extensive piped network system.
Current Infrastructure and Immediate Action Plans
Officials informed Naidu that CGD services are currently being provided by multiple entities including AG&P, Bhagyanagar Gas Limited, GGPL, IOCL, and Megha Gas. The existing infrastructure includes 198 operational CNG stations with the capacity to provide approximately 1.68 lakh domestic connections through the piped network system.
Naidu instructed officials to prepare an immediate action plan for expanding piped gas supply infrastructure, ensuring that more households can transition from cylinder-based to pipeline-based gas supply systems in the coming months.
Broader Administrative Directives Beyond Gas Supply
With summer temperatures approaching, the Chief Minister also directed officials to utilize the AWARE system for advance planning regarding multiple essential services:
- Drinking water supply management
- Heatwave preparedness and response protocols
- Cattle fodder availability and distribution systems
Additionally, Naidu emphasized the need for strict action against crimes targeting women and drug-related offenses, underscoring the government's commitment to public safety alongside essential service provision.
The review meeting was attended by senior administrative officials along with representatives from major petroleum companies, GAIL, and ONGC, ensuring comprehensive coordination between government agencies and energy sector stakeholders.
