Gujarat government increases LPG supply by 20%

Gandhinagar: Stating that there is an adequate stock of piped natural gas (PNG) and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) in the state in view of the crisis arisen because of the West Asia conflict, the Gujarat govt said that the buffer stock of LPG is increasing, and the state increased LPG distribution by 20% over normal weekly distribution.Speaking to the media, Mona Khandhar, additional chief secretary (food and civil supplies), said the state did not impose any restrictions on domestic or commercial use and is taking steps to ensure smooth availability of fuel across sectors. "Our department, in coordination with the police department and oil marketing companies, are working to ensure that there is no disruption in LPG supply. We are receiving LPG stock continuously, and buffer stock with agencies is also increasing," Khandhar said. She added that the state govt also allowed hotels and restaurants to obtain PNG connections wherever the network exists.The official said that a Union govt advisory asked states to prioritise PNG supply in areas where city gas distribution networks are operational, since adequate stock is available. She added that district collectors were asked to coordinate with city gas distribution companies to encourage conversion from LPG to PNG or facilitate new connections wherever feasible.Commenting on LPG availability in the state, the official said that LPG supply increased by about 20% as compared to the distribution in a normal week. "We are supplying almost 20% more LPG to customers than before," she said, adding that commercial LPG supply was permitted to essential sectors like hospitals and educational institutions.Listing other institutions that are being provided commercial LPG connections, the official said that for pharmaceutical and dairy industries, seed-processing units, and airline or railway canteens, commercial LPG connections can be provided up to 70% of normal supply in areas where PNG is not available.Semi-essential sectors, including restaurants, roadside eateries, hotels, corporate and industrial canteens, corporate guest houses, food processing units, and religious institutions that have been serving daily meals for at least one year, will also be eligible for commercial LPG refilling within a 10% limit in places without PNG coverage, she added.Khandhar said that Gujarat became a kerosene-free state in 2022 and the present allocation is just an additional measure alongside LPG. The state was allocated 1,452 kilolitres of kerosene, which is being distributed to all districts.The state govt posted one revenue department employee and one police personnel at every gas agency to ensure that there are no irregularities in LPG distribution, Khandhar added.