Mumbai: The supply of petrol, diesel and domestic LPG cylinders in Maharashtra is adequate and there is no shortage, state officials emphasised on Monday. Reiterating civil supplies minister Chhagan Bhujbal’s announcements during the recently concluded legislature session, they said a state-level control room has been set up for complaints over LPG supply, along with a WhatsApp helpline (9769919221), and police protection is being given to LPG vehicles, gas agencies and distribution staff.Officials appealed to the public not to queue up for LPG cylinders and to only book them online to be delivered at home. There are 3.5 crore LPG consumers. Average daily refills since April 3 were 5.8 crore compared to 5.9 crore in Jan, they said. But, there is a 25-day booking restriction period in urban areas to ensure equitable supply. Once an order is placed, the cylinder will be delivered in 3-4 days, officials said. “Maharashtra has LPG stocks of 27,000 tonne, which can last three days. And we have domestic production capability to meet 45-50% of the state’s requirement,” said state rationing controller Chandrakant Dange. For migrant labourers, 5kg refill cylinders are being provided, with around 27,600 supplied per day. Officials reiterated that it is mandatory for citizens and commercial establishments to apply for piped natural gas (PNG) in areas where it is available or where lines are being laid. “In such areas, the supply of LPG will be discontinued from June 30,” said Dange. He said this mainly applies to urban areas and not slum areas located in regions where PNG lines cannot be laid. The state had 42.3 lakh PNG connections till Feb; the number rose by 73,000 last month. The state has issued directions to expedite connections, including assuming deemed permission for pending applications with authorities like BMC and public works and irrigation departments. Also, pipelines can be laid 24 hours. On action against black marketing, the state has seized 21 transport vehicles, filed 53 FIRs and arrested 36 persons. It has seized 3,628 LPG cylinders and 71,565kg of LPG. The seizures are worth Rs 2.4 crore, officials said. Officials said the state govt has asked the Centre to increase its stock of 5kg LPG refills by 25% to provide for migrant labourers and increase its quota of LPG for autos. The state received 3,744 kilolitres of kerosene from the Centre and distribution through fair price shops this week in all districts in the state. Officials said a state-level committee is monitoring the supply and distribution of fuel and LPG and district committees have been set up to ensure there is no disruption.
