Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Apr 11: In response to disruptions in global energy supply chains triggered by the ongoing West Asia crisis, the Maharashtra government has issued directives to accelerate the expansion of piped natural gas (PNG) infrastructure across the state.
A Government Resolution (GR) issued by the Food and Civil Supplies Department on Friday instructed city gas distribution companies to strengthen consumer support systems and scale up infrastructure to ease pressure on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) availability.
The state government said global supply constraints have impacted petroleum product flows, prompting the need to promote PNG connections as an immediate alternative for households and housing societies.
City gas distribution firms have been directed to ensure round-the-clock consumer assistance by activating 24/7 helplines and expanding the number of service centres based on population demand. Authorities have also been asked to improve outreach so that consumers can easily access both online and offline application systems for new PNG connections.
The GR further calls for the establishment of additional ward-level facilitation centres to process applications more efficiently. Housing societies and residents of completed buildings have been encouraged to submit collective or individual applications to speed up network expansion and service delivery.
Local bodies, including municipal corporations and district supply offices, have also been instructed to set up dedicated information and assistance centres in coordination with city gas distribution companies.
To ensure accountability, the state has mandated the appointment of district-level nodal officers by CGD companies, along with weekly progress reports on pipeline expansion and new connections. These reports will be reviewed at the state level every Monday to monitor implementation.
Officials stated that these measures will remain in effect until the global geopolitical situation stabilises and energy supply conditions improve.