Switch to PNG or lose LPG in 3 months, warns Maharashtra minister Chhagan Bhujbal amid hoarding concerns

MUMBAI: In cities and municipalities where piped natural gas (PNG) is being provided, those who do not apply for it could lose their LPG connections within three months, food and civil supplies minister Chhagan Bhujbal warned on Monday.

"We have found that in areas where PNG is available, some people have not opted for it," said Bhujbal. In cities and municipalities where PNG is available or the lines are being laid, people must apply for the facility, he emphasised. "If they apply but the work is not complete, they will continue to receive LPG supply. But if they do not apply at all, they stand to lose their LPG connections in three months," Bhujbal said.

He emphasised that this did not apply to rural Maharashtra or to any areas where PNG facilities are not available. "I am speaking only about cities and municipalities where it is available already or the process has begun," said Bhujbal.

He said that the Government of India has sufficient stock of cylinders and citizens should not hoard cylinders. "People are creating an artificial shortage by hoarding cylinders. They should stop this," he said. Around 27 people had been arrested for black-marketing in cylinders, he added.

Bhujbal also said that the public would be allowed to lift three months of ration at a time. "We have enough stock to allow for three months of ration to be lifted at one time," he added.