Belagavi District Officials Address Fuel Supply Concerns, Urge Public Calm
In response to growing public anxiety over fuel availability, Belagavi Deputy Commissioner Mohammed Roshan has categorically stated that there is no shortage of domestic LPG cylinders, petrol, or diesel across the district. He strongly urged citizens to refrain from panic buying, emphasizing that the situation is under control and supplies are being managed effectively.
Detailed Breakdown of LPG Supply and Demand
During a press conference held on Tuesday, Roshan provided specific figures to clarify the domestic LPG cylinder scenario. He revealed that the district's daily requirement stands at approximately 25,000 cylinders, while the current supply is between 20,000 to 22,000 cylinders. "Supply is expected to stabilize further in the coming days. There is no need for the public to rush for advance bookings," Roshan assured attendees.
He also highlighted that Belagavi has around 35,000 PNG (Piped Natural Gas) connections and appealed to consumers to use fuel judiciously, suggesting temporary moderation in consumption to ease pressure on resources.
Commercial LPG Challenges and Enforcement Actions
Addressing commercial LPG supplies, the Deputy Commissioner noted that the district requires about 1,600 cylinders daily, with only around 600 currently available. To tackle this gap, meetings have been conducted with hotel associations and oil companies to streamline distribution. In a significant enforcement move, authorities have seized 42 domestic cylinders that were being illegally used for commercial purposes, underscoring efforts to curb misuse and ensure fair allocation.
Petrol and Diesel Availability Reassured
Clarifying the broader fuel situation, Roshan confirmed there is no shortage of petrol or diesel in Belagavi. The district is supported by 560 fuel stations, including 50 within the city limits, all backed by three supply depots. "If any outlet in the city runs dry, replenishment can be arranged within five hours," he stated, providing a clear timeline for resupply to alleviate concerns.
Police Warnings Against Illegal Practices and Rumors
City Police Commissioner Bhushan Borase reinforced the message of adequate fuel stocks and issued stern warnings against illegal activities. "Sale of fuel in bottles or cans will not be permitted. Strict action will be taken against hoarding or unauthorized storage," he declared. Authorities also cautioned that storing fuel at home is both illegal and hazardous, posing serious safety risks.
Borase further warned of legal action against individuals spreading rumors on social media platforms, urging citizens to report any suspicious activity via the 112 emergency helpline to maintain public order and prevent misinformation.
Collaborative Efforts and Stakeholder Presence
The briefing saw the participation of key stakeholders, including Deputy Director of the Food and Civil Supplies Department Mallikarjun and Hotel Owners' Association President Ajay Pai. Their presence underscored a collaborative approach between government bodies and industry representatives to address fuel supply challenges and ensure transparent communication with the public.
Overall, Belagavi officials are taking proactive steps to manage fuel resources, enforce regulations, and promote responsible consumption, aiming to prevent panic and maintain stability in the district's energy supply chain.
