Amaravati, March 26 Andhra Pradesh Civil Supplies Minister Nadendla Manohar said on Thursday that there is no shortage of cooking gas, petrol, or diesel in the state and asserted that adequate stocks are available to meet the demand.
The state government has set a target to provide over one lakh piped natural gas (PNG) connections across the state within a month. Approvals for PNG connections will be granted within 24 hours, he added.
"There is no shortage of cooking gas in the state. People should not believe rumors circulating on social media and should not panic as sufficient stocks are available in the state," Manohar said.
Addressing a press conference, he warned of strict action against black marketing.
Refuting claims of shortage, the minister said that about 2.7 lakh gas cylinders are supplied daily in the state, and on certain days, supplies have reached up to 3.3 lakh cylinders.
He noted that temporary inconvenience occurred due to panic booking triggered by misinformation on social media, but said the situation is now under control.
The minister also said that induction stoves are being provided to all anganwadis in the state as part of efforts to promote alternative cooking solutions.
He reiterated that strict action will be taken against those involved in black marketing or selling cooking gas, petrol, and diesel at inflated prices.
The minister said that steps are being taken to shift liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) consumers in urban areas such as Vijayawada, Guntur, Nellore, Kakinada, Visakhapatnam, and Tirupati towards PNG to ensure uninterrupted supply.
He noted that apartments, hotels, commercial establishments, and industrial units are being encouraged to utilize PNG facilities, with provisions for incentives from the central government.
The minister further said that PNG connections will also be extended to prominent pilgrimage centers, including Tirupati, Vijayawada Kanaka Durga, Srikalahasti, Annavaram, and Simhachalam temples, besides Anna canteens.
Highlighting administrative measures, he said Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has directed officials to expedite PNG expansion and ensure time-bound approvals, including an automatic approval system if required.
Manohar said the NDA government is planning to extend the 'Deepam 2' scheme (offers three free gas cylinders per annum) benefits to PNG users, with provisions to transfer Rs 2,400 through DBT corresponding to the three cylinders.
He added that around 94 lakh beneficiaries are currently covered under the Deepam scheme, and efforts are underway to integrate them into the PNG framework.