Mumbai, March 13: In response to the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict, the Maharashtra government has implemented crucial measures to maintain the supply of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) across the state. The state’s Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Protection Department has decided to establish control rooms throughout Maharashtra and form special committees at the district level to ensure uninterrupted supply of domestic and commercial gas cylinders.
Additional Chief Secretary Anil Diggikar has instructed all relevant agencies to continuously monitor LPG distribution across the state and take necessary steps to maintain supply. The government has assured that there is no shortage of domestic LPG in the state, urging citizens not to panic.
According to government data, the availability of domestic LPG cylinders in March is higher compared to the last six months. Given the current geopolitical situation, all agencies have been directed to ensure that gas supply remains uninterrupted under any circumstances.
District-level committees will be formed to prevent potential disruptions in gas supply and to ensure better coordination in case of emergencies. These committees will include the District Collector, Superintendent of Police, District Supply Officer, and officials from all government gas companies.
The main responsibilities of these committees will include monitoring the LPG supply chain, maintaining law and order, and sending daily situation reports to the government. A separate committee will be established for the Mumbai-Thane rationing area, led by the Rationing Controller, which will include the Deputy Commissioner of Police and the Deputy Controller (Rationing). Coordination with all Deputy Commissioners of Mumbai and Thane will be managed by the Joint Commissioner of Police (Administration).
Officials have also been instructed to consider the possibility of using alternative fuels such as coal or kerosene if necessary, while ensuring full compliance with all regulations set by the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board.
District-level committees will also hold meetings with hotel and restaurant associations to promote the use of alternative fuels wherever possible. The government has clarified that institutions providing essential services, such as hospitals, government hostels, government schools and colleges, mid-day meal schemes, and government-operated ashram schools, will be prioritized for LPG cylinder supply. A list of such institutions will be prepared, and separate priority orders will be implemented to prevent any disruption in these services.
To prevent the spread of rumors or panic regarding gas supply, the government has arranged for special information dissemination. Accurate information will be communicated to the public daily through radio, FM channels, television, and print media. The responsibility for this task has been assigned to the Directorate of Information and Public Relations and district committees, with strict action directed against false or misleading news circulating on social media.
Oil companies have been instructed to promptly resolve technical issues related to gas booking apps and missed call services. Additionally, control rooms will be established at the state, division, district, and taluka levels. A WhatsApp facility will also be made available for citizens to easily register their complaints.
In light of the upcoming festivals, public institutions have been given special priority for LPG supply. Local representatives and gram panchayat members will also be involved to ensure that citizens do not panic regarding gas supply. The police administration has been tasked with ensuring the safety of vehicles transporting LPG cylinders and gas agencies. District administration, rationing controllers, and oil companies have been instructed to send daily updates on gas stock and supply status to the state-level control room.
Maharashtra’s average daily demand for LPG is approximately 9,000 metric tons. To meet this demand, refineries have increased LPG production from 9,000 metric tons to nearly 11,000 metric tons per day over the past two days. The government has reiterated that there is no shortage of domestic LPG in the state and that sufficient production and stock are available to meet demand.
In the case of commercial LPG, allocations are being made on a priority basis as per central government guidelines, with hospitals, mid-day meal schemes in schools, ashram schools, community kitchens, and government educational institutions being prioritized.
Additionally, there is a sufficient stock of piped natural gas (PNG) available for domestic use. The state also has adequate availability of petrol and diesel, with Maharashtra’s refineries operating at full capacity, producing approximately 15,000 kiloliters of petrol and 38,000 kiloliters of diesel daily to meet market demand.
The government has appealed to citizens not to panic regarding fuel supply and to refrain from believing any rumors, as all necessary arrangements have been thoroughly ensured.