Goa Chief Minister Denies Domestic LPG Cylinder Shortage Amid Supply Concerns
In a significant development addressing public anxiety, Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant categorically denied any shortage of LPG cylinders for domestic consumers on Thursday. The Chief Minister emphasized that the issue is confined to commercial LPG cylinder supply, urging citizens to remain calm and avoid panic-buying.
Government Coordination and Committee Formation
Sawant revealed that the state government is actively engaged with the Union government, which has established a three-member committee to investigate the supply disruptions. "We will tackle the issue," the Chief Minister assured, highlighting a collaborative approach between state and central authorities to resolve the matter efficiently.
However, Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao expressed concerns, noting widespread fear among residents and instances of panic-buying of LPG cylinders across various locations in the state.
Central Government Directives and State-Level Review
The Centre convened a crucial meeting with state chief secretaries and DGPs on Wednesday night, issuing directives to curb black marketing and hoarding of cooking gas cylinders. States were instructed to prevent fears of scarcity from escalating into law and order problems.
In response, Goa Chief Secretary V Candavelou conducted a comprehensive review of the supply situation with representatives from major oil marketing companies, including Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL), and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), along with other officials.
Clarifications from Oil Marketing Companies
During the review, representatives from the oil marketing companies provided detailed updates on the current stock availability and operational status. They clarified that certain restrictions have been imposed on LPG usage by commercial establishments to prioritize and safeguard domestic supply.
Importantly, these restrictions do not apply to priority consumers such as defense establishments, educational institutions, and hospitals, ensuring uninterrupted access for critical sectors.
Public Reassurance and Information Dissemination
Chief Secretary Candavelou underscored the necessity of disseminating accurate information to the public to alleviate fears and prevent misinformation. District collectors have been directed to issue clear guidelines and updates to ensure transparency.
Amid growing concerns over cooking gas availability, the Chief Secretary asserted that the overall situation in Goa remains stable and manageable, with coordinated efforts underway to address supply chain challenges.
The state administration continues to monitor the situation closely, working in tandem with central agencies and oil companies to ensure a steady supply of LPG cylinders for domestic consumers while addressing commercial sector constraints.
