PANAJI:
Asserting that there is an adequate LPG quota for household consumption in Goa, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Friday said that around 80 per cent of the LPG supply meant for the commercial sector has been hit, while industrial gas connections have been halted completely for the time being.
Chairing a high-level meeting with officials of the Civil Supplies Department, police, and oil companies, the Chief Minister added that piped natural gas supply will continue uninterrupted, while appealing to citizens to restore their connections or opt for fresh piped connections.
Sawant also cautioned consumers against stocking multiple cylinders unnecessarily and warned those holding multiple connections not to misuse them. He urged people not to panic-buy or queue up outside LPG agencies, reiterating that domestic supply remains secure.
“Goa has got sufficient LPG quota for domestic consumers, and the situation will be restored completely within eight days. There is a 25-day gap for booking, and LPG will be made available. People should not panic,” he said.
Citing the Government of India’s emergency fuel-allocation guidelines, the Chief Minister explained that only 20 per cent of LPG supply is currently available for commercial use, as a large portion of the supply is being diverted to ensure uninterrupted availability for households.
To streamline distribution, the State government has directed all LPG agencies to begin online booking of domestic cylinders from 2 pm onwards today.
Officials of major oil marketing companies, including Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited, and Indian Oil Corporation, attended the meeting.
The Chief Minister expressed confidence that the supply situation would stabilise within eight days once further directions are received from the Centre regarding commercial LPG allocation.
Sawant said that people should visit agencies only after making an online booking where respective representatives will be present; police as well as civil supply officers will monitor the situation daily and submit a report.
