Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, Mar 13: Chief minister Pramod Sawant on Thursday clarified that there is no shortage of LPG cylinders for domestic consumers in Goa, urging residents not to panic or rush to stand in queues. He explained that the issue currently being faced in the state relates only to the supply of commercial LPG cylinders.

Sawant said the state government is in contact with the Government of India regarding the matter. The Centre has also formed a three-member committee to examine the situation. “We will tackle the issue,” the chief minister assured.

However, Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao said that fears among the public had led to panic buying of cooking gas cylinders in several areas.

Meanwhile, the central government held a meeting on Wednesday night with chief secretaries and Directors General of Police from various states. Officials were instructed to keep a close watch on black marketing and hoarding of LPG cylinders and to ensure that concerns over supply do not escalate into a law-and-order problem.

Goa Chief Secretary V Candavelou also reviewed the state’s LPG supply situation in a meeting with representatives from major oil marketing companies, including Indian Oil Corporation Limited, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited.

During the review, Candavelou said the overall LPG supply position in the state remained stable. He also stressed the importance of sharing accurate information with the public to prevent unnecessary panic and instructed district collectors to issue appropriate directions.

Officials from the oil marketing companies informed the meeting that certain restrictions were being placed on LPG usage by commercial establishments in order to ensure adequate supply for households. However, they clarified that priority sectors such as defence services, educational institutions and hospitals would remain exempt from these restrictions.