Govt targets 1 lakh PNG connections in a month amid LPG shortage fear

Vijayawada: Civil supplies minister Nadendla Manohar clarified that there is no shortage of cooking gas, petrol, or diesel in Andhra Pradesh, urging the public not to believe rumours circulating on social media. He announced that the govt has set a target of providing over one lakh Piped Natural Gas (PNG) connections within a month to promote cleaner and more efficient fuel usage.To encourage adoption, Manohar said subsidies under the Deepam scheme will be extended to PNG users. Currently, beneficiaries receive one free LPG cylinder every four months. Under the proposed changes, PNG users will receive subsidies once every two months, with a ₹2,400 DBT benefit transferred directly. At a press conference in the secretariat on Thursday, Manohar said permissions for PNG connections will be granted within 24 hours, with automatic approvals introduced if necessary. He called upon apartments, commercial establishments, and industrial units in Vijayawada, Guntur, Visakhapatnam, Tirupati, Nellore, and Kakinada to shift from LPG to PNG.Highlighting the benefits, he said PNG ensures uninterrupted supply, is environment-friendly, and more economical compared to conventional LPG cylinders. He also noted that central government incentives are available for PNG adoption. Connectivity is also being extended to major temples such as Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams, Kanaka Durga temple, Srikalahasti temple, Annavaram Satyanarayana temple, Simhachalam temple, and Anna Canteens.Dismissing reports of fuel shortage, Manohar said around 2.7 lakh LPG cylinders are being supplied daily, with supply reaching up to 3.3 lakh cylinders on some days. Panic booking triggered by misinformation caused temporary disruptions, which have now been resolved. He warned of strict action against black marketing or overpricing of cooking gas, petrol, and diesel. Additionally, induction stoves are being provided to all Anganwadi centres as part of the clean energy initiative.