We are not expecting any disruptions in the supply of essential commodities such as ration rice, kerosene, and other Public Distribution System items in Telangana in the coming months... We have issued instructions to district collectors to take necessary steps to encourage institutions to adopt temporary cooking systems such as Piped Natural Gas (PNG), electric induction cooking, firewood, and kerosene in place of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG). The central govt is responsible for the supply of LPG. We are only facilitators. — N Uttam Kumar Reddy, civil supplies minister Q. Despite official claims of adequate LPG supply, persistent ground-level shortages and black marketing indicate systemic leakages. What structural reforms are being implemented so that diversion and artificial scarcity are permanently eliminated? — Chada Rekha Rao We have implemented real-time monitoring of stock and distribution through vehicle tracking systems and regular review at district and state levels by establishing the command control room. Further, to confirm delivery to actual consumers, we have implemented Delivery Against Confirmation through OTP-based authentication. We are strengthening accountability of LPG distributors through joint inspections by the civil supplies department, police, and enforcement agencies, apart from Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) inspections, to curb black marketing and illegal diversion. Stringent penal action is also being taken, including suspension of licences for violations.Q. Is it possible to provide everyday updates on LPG right from opening stock, inwards, outwards and closing stock, which can be accessed by the public online? Can Telangana bring in such a mechanism? — SR DhravidCurrently, there is no system for the public to access opening or closing stocks and receipts of LPG online. However, the Telangana govt has instituted Command Control Room as well as District Committees in all the districts to ensure that daily stock receipts and supplies are being monitored on a daily basis. We will also provide periodical updates.Q. In the current situation of reduced LPG availability, what steps is the state govt taking to manage shortages? If supply disruptions continue due to global conflicts, what contingency plans are in place? — Venkat RudraAs per the instructions of the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas, Govt of India, the state govt has issued instructions to the Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) to take necessary steps for 100% supply of LPG to domestic household consumers, while commercial LPG supplies to various sectors have been restricted to 20% of their previous consumption. This restriction of 20% of their original supplies has been placed on commercial LPG customers by OMCs and the Govt of India. Joint raids and enforcement operations are being conducted by officials to curb black marketing and illegal diversion, and stringent action is being taken under the provisions of the EC Act, 1955, and the LPG (Regulation of Supply and Distribution) Order, 2000, etc., against any violation.Q. With tensions in West Asia raising concerns about fuel availability, is there any possibility of petrol and diesel supply disruptions in Telangana? — Shiva KumarWe are not anticipating any disruption in the supply of Motor Spirit (MS) and High Speed Diesel (HSD) in Telangana.Q. If LPG supply disruptions persist due to global conflicts, what alternative fuel support mechanisms does the state govt have for vulnerable households? — Venkatanarayanan SThe Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas, Govt of India, has allocated 1,740 KLs of kerosene for Telangana. We have requested collectors to indent kerosene based on the requirement and make arrangements to distribute it. Further, alternative cooking systems such as electric induction cooking, firewood, and kerosene must be adopted temporarily by vulnerable households.Q. What is the status of the Rs 500 subsidised LPG cylinder scheme for eligible ration card holders in Telangana, and how is the govt ensuring timely supply under this programme? — Durga BhavaniMahalaxmi LPG Scheme is one of the flagship programmes of our govt. We have been continuing the supply of subsidised LPG cylinders at Rs 500 for eligible households. At present, 42.90 lakh beneficiaries are benefiting under the scheme and an amount of Rs 878.44 crore has been disbursed towards subsidy for 2.88 crore refills.Q. What enforcement measures are being taken against LPG cylinder diversion and black marketing, and how many inspections or cases have been registered recently in Telangana? — H BalajiTo prevent LPG cylinder diversion and black marketing, we have been conducting joint inspections and enforcement operations in the state. So far, 1,112 cases have been booked and 2,712 domestic cylinders and 70 small cylinders have been seized.Q. Many eligible families say they are still waiting for new ration cards. What is the current status of pending applications, and when will new cards be issued? — M VenkateshWe have already started the process of issuing new Food Security Cards from Jan 2025. So far, 15,46,906 new FS cards have been issued and currently the total number of FS Cards in existence is 1,05,42,188. The issue of new Food Security Cards is a continuous process.Q. What steps are being taken to ensure timely procurement and payment to farmers during the ongoing paddy procurement season, and what timeline is being followed for payments after procurement? — Sandeep ReddyThe Telangana govt has planned to release MSP payments within 48 to 72 hours of the data being uploaded into the procurement portal. To ensure financial liquidity for farmers, MSP payments are being credited directly to their bank accounts via DBT within 48 to 72 hours of procurement, and all necessary steps have been taken to release MSP to the farmers at the earliest.Q. How many paddy procurement centres are operational this season in Telangana, and what arrangements have been made to prevent delays and distress sales by farmers? — Laxmana RaoFor the Kharif Marketing Season (KMS) 2025–26, we have already conducted preparatory meetings with officials and all stakeholders in the procurement process, and detailed instructions and an action plan have been communicated. Subsequently, training sessions have been conducted across all the districts. All arrangements have been completed. All steps have been taken to ensure MSP payments are made within 48 to 72 hours directly to the farmers’ bank accounts. To prevent distress sales, the govt has ensured the opening of paddy procurement centres at every village to reach all paddy-producing farmers. Furthermore, sufficient equipment—including moisture meters, tarpaulins, and electronic weighing scales—has been positioned.Q. With rising prices of several essential commodities in recent months, what measures is the state govt taking to monitor market rates and prevent hoarding or artificial price hikes? — Sujatha KrishnaThe Civil Supplies Department is closely monitoring the retail prices of 16 essential commodities. There is no alarming increase in prices of all the essential commodities, and their prices are stable. In case we notice any alarming rise in prices, immediate steps will be taken in coordination with all other departments to ensure that they are regulated.Q. Is the govt undertaking any verification or updating of ration card beneficiary data in Telangana, and how can genuine beneficiaries ensure their names remain active in the system? — Ram ReddyYes, the verification and updation of ration cards is a continuous process in Telangana. Any person or household can apply for a new ration card (Food Security Card) through MeeSeva. The genuine or active data of beneficiaries is available in https://epds.telangana.gov.in, which is in the public domain.Q. Students, bachelors, and others who depend on hotel or PG food are concerned about shortages of commercial LPG cylinders. How long is the disruption expected to continue, and what steps are being taken to stabilise supply? — Y ManideepInstructions have been issued to Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) to supply 100% of their requirement to all educational institutions. However, due to the ministry of petroleum and natural gas directions, there have been some regulations to Commercial LPG. Efforts are being made to restore normality, and PG hostels are advised to transit from LPG to Piped Natural Gas (PNG).Q. What is the current average delivery time for LPG cylinders after booking in Telangana, and how is the govt ensuring smooth supply in the wake of the ongoing oil and gas crisis? Should consumers avoid panic booking during this period? — Parimala G TadasThe average delivery time for LPG cylinders is four to six days. The state govt has issued instructions to the OMCs to take necessary steps for 100% supply of LPG to domestic household consumers while commercial LPG supplies to various sectors have been regulated to 20% of their previous consumption, as per the directions of the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas.Q. A few years ago, small LPG cylinders were available at petrol pumps but were later discontinued. Can it be reintroduced during the current supply constraints? — Dr MS Krishna KumarWe will examine this in due course in consultation with the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas and Oil Marketing Companies.Q. How will the govt ensure accountability of LPG gas agencies for repeated service delays and poor delivery performance? — Teja SreeWe are keeping tabs through real-time monitoring of stock and distribution through vehicle tracking systems by OMCs and also enforcement teams at the district level. If any, such instances come to notice, we will take stringent action against those LPG agencies. If there is any grievance in this regard, consumers can contact 1967 toll-free number.Q. Are there plans to increase LPG supply or improve distribution infrastructure in high-demand regions of Telangana? — Nagarajamani MVNo, there is no such plan in place. Currently, LPG supply is being taken uniformly across the state.Q. Some consumers report that LPG delivery staff demand extra charges beyond the official rate. What steps is the govt taking to prevent overcharging during cylinder delivery? — Helen G ThoyI have already instructed all the district collectors to warn the LPG distributors not to collect extra charges. If any such instances are reported, stringent action against the LPG distributors will be taken. If citizens have any grievance in this regard, they may contact the 1967 toll-free number.
