Maharashtra government has clarified that there is no shortage of petroleum products in the state, even as tensions in West Asia raised concerns about supply disruptions.
The state officials urged citizens to avoid panic buying, assuring that petrol and diesel stocks are adequate and the situation has stabilised.
Additional Chief Secretary Anil Diggikar said that while there were some initial challenges in LPG supply due to dependence on imports from Gulf countries, conditions are now improving. “Petrol and diesel stocks are adequate in the state. The situation has stabilised. LPG supply to the commercial sector has also been partially restored,” he said, reported PTI.
Phased restoration of LPG supply
Authorities explained that LPG supply to commercial users was temporarily halted following central directives but has now been restored in phases.
In the first phase, 20 per cent supply was allowed for essential services such as hospitals, schools and government establishments. The second phase extended another 20 per cent allocation to restaurants, dhabas and community kitchens. In the third phase, priority was given to labour- intensive industries like steel, textiles, dairy and pharmaceuticals.
Officials added that Maharashtra is currently 45–50 per cent self-sufficient in LPG, helping maintain stability.
Adequate stock and strong supply network
The state currently holds around 27,000 metric tonnes of LPG, enough for nearly three days. In Mumbai and nearby areas, 25–50 per cent of fuel supply comes from domestic production, providing an added buffer.
The supply network also remains robust, with 24 depots and over 8,000 petrol pumps across the state. Daily consumption continues at around 18,500 kilolitres of petrol and 40,000 kilolitres of diesel, with no drop in demand, reported the news agency.
Additionally, around 5.8 lakh LPG cylinders are supplied daily from 23 plants, matching pre-crisis levels.
Action against hoarding and black marketing
To prevent misuse, the government has taken strict action against hoarding and black marketing. Between March 1 and April 5, authorities conducted over 12,000 inspections, seizing thousands of cylinders and registering multiple FIRs.
Officials said goods worth more than Rs 2.4 crore have been confiscated, and monitoring committees are actively tracking fuel supply and distribution across the state.
Push for PNG and future planning
The government is also promoting Piped Natural Gas (PNG) as a more stable and cost-effective alternative. Efforts are being made to expand PNG networks in cities like Mumbai, Thane and Pune, with faster approvals and infrastructure support.
Consumers in areas with PNG access have been asked to register by June 30, failing which LPG supply may be restricted in those regions. However, officials clarified that LPG supply will continue uninterrupted in areas where PNG is not feasible, such as slums and difficult terrains, as per PTI.
PNG is estimated to be 20–22 per cent cheaper than LPG and is seen as a safer and more sustainable option.
Public advised not to panic
Officials reiterated that there is no shortage of domestic LPG, even in areas where concerns were raised. Citizens have been advised not to visit distribution centres unnecessarily, as an OTP-based home delivery system is already in place.
With stable stock levels, phased supply restoration and strict monitoring, the government emphasised that the situation is under control and there is no need for panic.
(With PTI Inputs)
