Amaravati, March 16 Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Monday directed officials to ensure smooth distribution of domestic cooking gas and initiate steps to address public concerns regarding LPG availability.
The Chief Minister held a review meeting with executives of Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) at the Real Time Governance System (RTGS) to assess the state's energy security in light of the West Asia conflict.
"The Chief Minister said that cylinders should not be misused during gas delivery," an official press release stated.
Similarly, the Chief Minister instructed officials to supply gas to domestic consumers without interruption.
Officials were asked about the measures taken to prevent LPG cylinders from being diverted to the black market and the supply of gas to Anna Canteens, which offer subsidized food to people.
Meanwhile, officials informed the Chief Minister that currently 17,209 tons of LPG stocks were available in the state, and 1,154 gas agencies were distributing gas through Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL), Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL) and the Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL).
Directing officials to reduce the waiting time for gas cylinders, Naidu called for the daily monitoring of gas supply, stocks, and bookings.
He also instructed officials to ensure that no disruptions occur in the daily operations of hospitals, schools, and temples.
The Chief Minister advised officials to engage with hotel associations to discuss strategies for reducing LPG consumption.
Officials informed the Chief Minister that the Centre is expected to allocate more LPG stocks to Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Karnataka in the coming days.
Furthermore, Naidu discussed the possibility of introducing piped gas and induction stoves as an alternative to LPG, the press release added.