LPG stocks enough for 15 days, says AP CM
Amaravati: Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu said that Andhra Pradesh currently has sufficient LPG reserves for 15 days and assured that there is no need for public concern. He said that while the state has 14,000 metric tonnes of LPG stock an additional 24,000 metric tonnes available at Visakhapatnam.
The Chief Minister conducted a review on LPG stocks, cylinder distribution and the piped gas network at RTGS centre in secretariat on Tuesday. He directed officials to ensure that cylinders are not diverted to the black market by using e-KYC and OTP verification systems.He instructed gas companies to increase production in the short term and improve distribution efficiency to prevent inconvenience to people.
Additionally, he called for studying alternative options that can be made available to the public immediately, including reviewing the availability of induction stoves in the state.
The Chief Minister also reviewed the expansion of piped gas connections as an alternative to LPG. He directed officials to further expand the City Gas Distribution (CGD) network across the state. He emphasised utilising natural gas produced within Andhra Pradesh and supplying it to consumers through a piped network.
The CM asked officials to explore opportunities to maximize the use of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Piped Natural Gas (PNG). Recalling past efforts, he noted that LNG was allocated to the state earlier and pipelines were extended up to Kondapalli.
The Chief Minister directed officials to prepare an action plan for expanding piped gas supply immediately.Officials informed that natural gas is currently being supplied through CGD networks by AG&P, Bhagyanagar Gas Limited, GGPL, IOCL, and Megha Gas. They also stated that supply is being carried out through 198 CNG stations and infrastructure is in place to provide 1.68 lakh domestic connections.
The Chief Minister advised sensitising motorists about traffic rule violations and sending them concise awareness messages under citizen safety initiatives. He directed that electricity bill payment links be made available through an app or WhatsApp governance for user convenience.
He instructed officials to expedite the launch of the AP One app being developed for this purpose. He also emphasised assessing how government departments are utilising Data Lake and AWARE systems.
With summer approaching, he directed that AWARE be used to take advance measures regarding drinking water, heatwaves, and cattle fodder. He also instructed strict action on crimes against women and drug control.
Senior officials and representatives from petroleum companies, GAIL and ONGC attended the review meeting.
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