Sawant says stocks sufficient for 8 days; queues stretch at pumps, LPG outlets
A long queue seen at a petrol pump in Panaji on Wednesday as motorists rush to stock up fuel despite Chief Minister Pramod Sawant's assurance of adequate supply.
PANAJI
Long queues snaked outside fuel stations and LPG dealers across Goa on Wednesday as residents rushed to stock up amid fears of shortages.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant moved quickly to calm nerves, assuring that the State has adequate supplies and urging citizens to avoid panic buying.
Speaking to the media after a cabinet meeting, Sawant said Goa currently holds petrol stocks sufficient for eight days. Supplies continue to arrive, he added, expressing confidence that the situation will stabilise within the next week.
“We are coordinating with the Government of India. I expect the remaining issues to be resolved within eight days,” Sawant said even as he appealed to motorists not to crowd pumps unnecessarily.
The Chief Minister also addressed concerns over domestic LPG and clarified that households will receive cylinders within 15 days of booking, as mandated. Civil Supplies Secretary Sanjiv Gadkar is monitoring dealers to ensure compliance, and consumers with grievances can approach the department directly, he added.
“There is no shortage of domestic LPG. Please do not book additional cylinders unnecessarily,” Sawant urged.
For commercial users, Sawant explained that 20 per cent of the quota has already been allocated, with another 20 per cent to be released once businesses apply for PNG (Piped Natural Gas) connections.
The government meanwhile has encouraged a shift from LPG to PNG, citing reliability and uninterrupted service.
Goa Natural Gas Pvt. Ltd. (GNGPL), a joint venture of GAIL and Bharat Petroleum, continues to maintain normal PNG supply to domestic, commercial and industrial customers in North Goa and Ponda.
Several housing societies in Tiswadi and Ponda already have PNG infrastructure in place, offering residents a safe and economical alternative.
Despite these assurances, panic buying persisted through the day and late into the night on Wednesday.
Queues stretching up to a kilometre were reported outside several petrol pumps, with motorists rushing to fill their tanks. Similar scenes unfolded at LPG outlets, where residents sought to secure extra cylinders.
Sawant reiterated that both fuel and LPG supplies are stable and warned against hoarding. “There is enough quota available. Even after eight days, necessary stock will be maintained,” he said. The government, he added, remains confident of resolving supply concerns swiftly.
