LPG Supply: Additional 24,000 Metric Tonnes For Andhra Pradesh
CM assures no shortage of gas in the state; directs officials to ensure uninterrupted supply to essential sectors.
VIJAYAWADA: Chief Minister N Chandrababu on Tuesday said the state currently has around 14,000 metric tonnes (MT) of LPG stock, with additional supplies expected shortly.
He said there was no shortage of LPG in the state and directed officials to ensure uninterrupted supply, particularly to critical institutions such as hospitals, hostels, and temples.
Naidu said AP currently has sufficient LPG reserves for 15 days and said there was no need for public concern. While the state has 14,000 metric tonnes of LPG stock, an additional 24,000 metric tonnes was available at Visakhapatnam.
The CM conducted a review on LPG stocks, cylinder distribution and the piped gas network at the RTGS centre in the secretariat today. He directed the officials to ensure that cylinders are not diverted to the black market by using e-KYC and OTP verification systems.
He instructed gas companies to increase production in the short term and improve distribution efficiency to prevent inconvenience to people.
Additionally, Naidu called for a study on alternative options for the public, including reviewing the availability of induction stoves in the state.
The CM also reviewed the expansion of piped gas connections as an alternative to LPG. He directed officials to further expand the City Gas Distribution network across the state.
He emphasised the need for utilizing natural gas produced within AP and supplying it to consumers through a piped network.
The Chief Minister asked officials to explore opportunities to maximize the use of compressed natural gas and piped natural gas. Recalling past efforts, he noted that LNG was allocated to the state earlier and pipelines were extended up to Kondapalli.
Naidu directed the officials to prepare an action plan for expanding piped gas supply with immediate effect.
Officials informed the CM that natural gas is currently being supplied through CGD networks by AG&P, Bhagyanagar Gas Ltd, GGPL, IOCL, and Megha Gas. They also stated that supply is being carried out through 198 CNG stations and infrastructure is in place to provide 1.68 lakh domestic connections.
The Chief Minister stressed the need for sensitising motorists about traffic rule violations and sending them concise awareness messages under citizen safety initiatives. Electricity bill payment links may be made available through an app or WhatsApp governance for user convenience, he said.
Naidu asked officials to expedite the launch of the AP One app being developed for this purpose. He also emphasized assessing how government departments are utilizing Data Lake and AWARE systems.
With summer approaching, Naidu directed that AWARE be used to take advance measures regarding drinking water, heatwaves and cattle fodder. He also called for strict action on crimes against women and drug control. Senior officials and representatives from petroleum companies GAIL and ONGC attended the review meeting.
