Gandhinagar, March 12 The Gujarat government stated on Thursday that adequate stocks of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and piped natural gas (PNG) are available in the state for domestic consumption despite the evolving geopolitical situation in West Asia.
Continuous monitoring is being carried out by the Centre and state authorities to ensure uninterrupted supply and distribution of LPG cylinders across Gujarat, an official release informed.
According to the release, the state currently has sufficient LPG stock to meet domestic requirements and arrangements have been made for smooth transportation and distribution of the fuel through the existing supply network. Gujarat is in a relatively comfortable position compared to many other regions in terms of availability of PNG, it added.
"Nearly 30 per cent of domestic gas in the state is supplied through PNG gas pipeline. Gujarat is in a better position due to the availability of sufficient supply of PNG," said the statement.
As a precautionary measure to ensure adequate supply of LPG for domestic needs in the state, public sector oil marketing companies have introduced a temporary restriction on booking frequency. Under the new measure, a gap of 25 days will be maintained between bookings of two LPG cylinders by the same consumer, the release said.
"The decision was taken on the instructions of the Central government and is aimed at preventing unnecessary panic among the masses as well as hoarding of LPG cylinders. As per the decision taken by the Central government, the sale of commercial LPG cylinders has been controlled at present. However, hospitals and educational institutions will continue to get cylinders as per their requirement," said the release.
Unauthorized storage of LPG cylinders, black marketing, using cylinders for purposes other than the prescribed domestic use, or charging prices higher than those fixed by authorities are punishable offences under Essential Commodities Act and the Liquefied Petroleum Gas Control Order, the release said.
Competent authorities have the power to initiate criminal proceedings against those involved in these activities, it added.
