Gujarat hikes weekly LPG supply by 20%

Gujarat hikes weekly LPG supply by 20%

The Gujarat government has increased its weekly LPG supply by 20% to address concerns over distribution in the state. Addressing a press conference, additional chief secretary (food, civil supplies and consumer affairs) Mona Khandhar said that there was sufficient supply of domestic LPG cylinders available in Gujarat and that the government was prioritising conversion of LPG to Piped Natural Gas (PNG).

Importance of the move

• The move aims to address concerns over LPG distribution in the state.
• The government has prioritised conversion of LPG to PNG to reduce dependence on LPG.
• The increased supply will benefit essential and semi-essential sectors, including hospitals, educational institutes, and social organisations.

Key points

• The state government has deployed revenue and police personnel for strict supervision and monitoring in all public sector and private gas agencies.
• More than 1,000 gas agencies are being monitored, and illegal stock has been seized and fines imposed.
• Hospitals and educational institutes are receiving 100% LPG supply, and social organisations are being provided with LPG cylinders.
• Commercial LPG connections can be provided up to 70% of normal supply in areas where PNG is not available.
• The central government has directed converting LPG into PNG connections, and a robust PNG network is readily available.

Impact on consumers

• Consumers who have both LPG and PNG connections are being asked to surrender their LPG connection by Wednesday as part of the ongoing rationalisation of supply.
• The central government has allocated kerosene to states as a supplementary fuel, and the stock is meant only for rural areas.
• Gujarat has been allotted 1,452 kilolitres of kerosene, which has been distributed among districts with a cap of 36,000 litres each.

Conclusion

The Gujarat government's move to increase LPG supply by 20% is a step towards addressing concerns over distribution in the state. The prioritisation of conversion of LPG to PNG will reduce dependence on LPG and benefit essential and semi-essential sectors. The increased supply will have a positive impact on consumers, particularly those in rural areas who will benefit from the allocation of kerosene.