AP has LPG reserves to last 15 days, says Chandrababu Naidu

Vijayawada: Chief minister Chandrababu Naidu on Tuesday said Andhra Pradesh has sufficient LPG reserves for the next 15 days, and there is no need for public concern. He said the state currently has about 14,000 metric tonnes of LPG in stock, with an additional 24,000 metric tonnes available at Visakhapatnam.Naidu reviewed LPG stocks, cylinder distribution, and the piped gas network with the officials of RTGS. He directed officials to ensure uninterrupted supply of gas cylinders and prevent inconvenience to consumers.Naidu asked officials to strictly prevent diversion of cylinders into the black market by effectively using e-KYC and OTP-based verification systems. He instructed gas companies to increase production in the short term and improve distribution efficiency to meet public demand.He also called for examining alternative options that could be made available immediately, including assessing the availability of induction stoves in the state.The chief minister reviewed the expansion of piped gas connections as an alternative to LPG and directed officials to accelerate the rollout of the City Gas Distribution (CGD) network across Andhra Pradesh. He stressed the need to utilise natural gas produced within the state and supply it to consumers through a piped network.Naidu instructed the officials to prepare an immediate action plan for expanding piped gas supply. They informed the chief minister that CGD services are currently being provided by AG&P, Bhagyanagar Gas Limited, GGPL, IOCL, and Megha Gas, with 198 CNG stations in operation and infrastructure available to provide 1.68 lakh domestic connections.With summer approaching, the Chief Minister instructed officials to use the AWARE system for advance planning on drinking water supply, heatwave management, and cattle fodder availability. He also directed strict action against crimes against women and drug-related offences. Senior officials and representatives from petroleum companies, GAIL, and ONGC were present.