Kerala Government Appeals to Centre to Increase Non-Domestic LPG Cylinder Allocation
In a decisive move to tackle an escalating shortage of cooking gas for commercial and institutional purposes, the Kerala state government has resolved to seek urgent intervention from the Central government. The objective is to secure an enhanced allocation of non-domestic LPG cylinders to meet the state's pressing demand.
High-Level Meeting Addresses Supply Crisis
The critical decision emerged from a high-level meeting convened on Thursday, presided over by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. The gathering included key ministers such as Civil Supplies Minister G R Anil, Finance Minister K N Balagopal, and Local Self-Government Minister M B Rajesh, alongside representatives from public sector oil companies and senior bureaucrats including Chief Secretary A Jayathilak.
The meeting conducted a thorough review of the emerging scarcity of non-domestic LPG cylinders and deliberated on comprehensive measures to ensure an uninterrupted supply to essential sectors across the state.
Current Allocation and Request for Enhancement
Kerala's present allocation for non-domestic cylinders is capped at 20% of the total LPG supply. However, given the state's elevated demand dynamics, which are further amplified by a substantial migrant worker population, the government will formally request the Centre to raise this limit. This adjustment is deemed vital to sustain commercial kitchens, institutional facilities, and other critical operations that rely heavily on LPG.
Establishment of Monitoring and Oversight Mechanisms
To bolster oversight and ensure efficient distribution, the state will institute a multi-tiered monitoring framework:
- State-Level Monitoring Committee: A dedicated committee will be formed to track daily LPG consumption and distribution patterns across Kerala.
- District-Level Committees: Headed by district collectors, these committees will oversee the local situation, with all data being monitored through a specialized dashboard for real-time insights.
Priority Distribution System for Critical Sectors
During periods of shortage, a priority distribution system will be implemented to allocate non-domestic cylinders to the most essential services first. The designated priority categories include:
- Hospitals and healthcare facilities
- Old-age homes and orphanages
- Schools and educational institutions
- Community kitchens and charitable organizations
- IT park canteens and factory canteens
Chief Minister Vijayan issued a specific directive that crematoriums must not face any disruption in LPG supply under any circumstances. Further discussions are planned to identify additional priority sectors before finalizing and communicating the list to LPG companies.
Combating Black Marketing and Ensuring Compliance
To address issues of hoarding and illegal diversion, a joint enforcement team will be activated. This team will comprise officials from the revenue department, civil supplies department, police force, and representatives from LPG companies. Their mandate includes:
- Intensifying inspections to curb black marketing activities.
- Taking strict action against the illegal diversion of domestic cylinders for commercial or industrial use.
Alternative Measures and Countering Misinformation
As part of the contingency plan, the civil supplies department has been instructed to augment the supply of kerosene as an alternative fuel in select sectors where feasible. Additionally, proactive steps will be taken to counter and dispel misinformation regarding the LPG shortage that may be circulating on social media platforms, ensuring public awareness is based on accurate information.
This comprehensive strategy underscores Kerala's proactive approach to mitigating the cooking gas crisis, balancing immediate relief with structured oversight to safeguard essential services and maintain supply integrity.
