Gandhinagar, March 11: The Gujarat government has established a high-level committee to secure the supply of liquefied natural gas (LNG). This announcement was made on Wednesday by spokesperson minister Jitu Vaghani.
The committee, chaired by Chief Secretary M.K. Das, will monitor the availability of LNG and coordinate with central authorities to ensure uninterrupted gas supply to households.
Vaghani stated that under the guidance of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, the panel will continuously review the situation to maintain adequate supply. He assured that there would be no impact on domestic LPG cylinders and added that the government has sufficient stocks of LPG, CNG, petrol, and diesel. He urged the public not to be swayed by rumors.
The minister mentioned that industries are expected to receive about 80 percent of their normal gas supply. The government’s aim is to avoid price hikes and prevent any inconvenience to consumers.
Vaghani also warned against black marketing, stating that strict action would be taken against those engaging in illegal hoarding. He noted that if necessary, both the central and state governments would ensure gas and fuel availability even at higher costs.
Energy and Petrochemicals Minister Rishikesh Patel explained that ongoing conflicts in regions like Iran and Israel have temporarily disrupted gas shipments from key routes, causing supply issues. He assured that alternative arrangements have been made to maintain supply.
India’s energy markets have experienced fluctuations, particularly near the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial global chokepoint. Both state and central officials emphasized prioritizing piped natural gas (PNG), CNG, and LPG for domestic use over industrial consumption wherever possible.
The Gujarat committee will ensure that as alternative cargoes and other energy sources become available, the supply to households remains stable.