Maharashtra govt initiates steps to prevent LPG supply disruption

Mumbai: Against the backdrop of the Iran–Israel conflict, the Maharashtra government has initiated several measures to ensure uninterrupted supply of domestic and commercial gas cylinders. To prevent any disruption in domestic LPG supply and to coordinate effectively in case of a potential shortage, the state government has decided to establish special committees at the district level, said the minutes of the meeting of state government authorities with all concerned stakeholders.

Additional chief secretary of the food, civil supplies and consumer protection department, Anil Diggikar, has directed all concerned agencies to take necessary steps to maintain smooth LPG supply and ensure proper monitoring of distribution across the state.


The department has assured citizens that the supply of domestic LPG cylinders will remain uninterrupted and there is no need for concern.

During March, the availability of domestic LPG cylinders is higher than the supply recorded over the last six months. In view of the ongoing geopolitical situation, instructions have been issued to all agencies to ensure uninterrupted LPG supply.

Industry minister Uday Samant has said that the issues of export finance and alternative fuel arrangements faced by industries amid the ongoing West Asia crisis will be taken up by the state government with the Centre.

He was speaking to reporters after a meeting with industrial associations and factory owners in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar on Thursday evening.

To prevent disruptions in domestic LPG supply and to facilitate coordination in case of a potential shortage, district-level committees will be constituted. These committees will include the district collector, superintendent of police, district supply officer and officials from all government gas companies.

Their key responsibilities will include monitoring the LPG supply chain, maintaining law and order, and submitting daily reports on the situation.

In the Mumbai–Thane rationing area, a committee will function under the controller of rationing and will include the deputy commissioner of police and deputy controller (rationing). Coordination with all deputy commissioners in Mumbai and Thane will be carried out by the joint commissioner of police (administration).

Authorities have also been instructed to explore the possibility of using alternative fuels such as coal or kerosene, while strictly adhering to the norms of the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board.

District-level committees will also hold meetings with hotel and restaurant associations to encourage the use of alternative fuels where feasible.

Institutions providing essential services such as hospitals, government hostels, mess facilities in government schools and colleges, the mid-day mmeal dcheme, and government-run ashram schools will receive priority supply of domestic or commercial LPG cylinders. A list of such institutions will be issued and a separate priority order will be implemented.

To prevent rumours regarding gas supply, instructions have been given to disseminate information daily through radio, FM channels, television and print media. The Directorate General of Information and Public Relations along with district committees will handle this communication. Action will also be taken against fake or misleading information circulated on social media.

Oil companies have been directed to resolve technical issues related to gas booking apps and missed-call services immediately. Control rooms will also be set up at the state, divisional, district and taluka levels, and a WhatsApp facility will be made available for grievance redressal.

Considering upcoming religious festivals, priority will also be given to ensure uninterrupted LPG supply to public institutions.

Local representatives and Gram Panchayat members will assist in preventing panic among citizens regarding gas supply. Police authorities will provide necessary protection to LPG transport vehicles and gas agencies.

District administrations, rationing controllers and oil companies have been mandated to submit daily stock status and updated reports to the state-level control room.

The average daily demand for LPG in Maharashtra is around 9,000 metric tonnes. To meet this demand, LPG production at refineries has been increased from 9,000 metric tonnes to about 11,000 metric tonnes per day over the past two days. Authorities have clarified that there is no shortage of domestic LPG in the state and sufficient production and stock are available to meet demand.

For commercial LPG, priority allocation is being implemented as per the guidelines of the Central Government. Essential services such as hospitals, mid-day meal schemes in schools, ashram schools, community kitchens and mess facilities in government educational institutions are being given priority.

Adequate stock of Piped Natural Gas (PNG) for domestic use is also available. Similarly, the state has sufficient reserves of petrol and diesel. Refineries in Maharashtra are operating at full capacity to meet market demand, producing approximately 15,000 kilolitres of petrol and 38,000 kilolitres of diesel per day.

The department has appealed to citizens not to panic regarding fuel supply, assuring that adequate arrangements have been made to meet all requirements.