Udupi: Kota Srinivas Poojary, Member of Parliament representing the Udupi–Chikkamagaluru Lok Sabha constituency, has directed officials to take immediate steps to ensure uninterrupted supply of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) cylinders across Udupi district.
The directive came during a review meeting held at the District Collector’s office hall in Manipal on Monday, following a surge in complaints from domestic consumers facing difficulties in accessing LPG cylinders.
Focus on single-cylinder households
During the meeting, the MP stressed that households dependent on a single LPG cylinder must be given top priority in distribution. He instructed officials and gas agencies to streamline supply mechanisms and ensure that such consumers do not face delays or shortages.
Officials were also asked to closely monitor distribution patterns and address bottlenecks at the agency level.
Global factors impacting supply
Poojary acknowledged that the ongoing geopolitical situation in West Asian countries has affected LPG imports, leading to disruptions in the supply chain. However, he reassured that the government is committed to maintaining a steady supply for domestic consumers.
He emphasised that all necessary steps are being taken to minimise the impact of external factors on local availability.
Commercial sector allocation addressed
The MP also reviewed LPG allocation for commercial consumers, stating that around 20 per cent of the supply is expected to be reserved for this segment.
He clarified that priority within the commercial category will be given to essential services such as hostels, hospitals, and educational institutions, ensuring that critical operations are not affected.
Manipal supply issues flagged
A specific concern was raised regarding supply disruptions in the Manipal area, where registered commercial consumers are reportedly not receiving cylinders from their designated agencies.
Poojary noted that this has caused inconvenience to businesses and institutions. He suggested that transferring such consumers to alternative gas agencies could be considered to resolve the issue efficiently.
He assured that the matter would be taken up with gas companies to ensure timely corrective action.
Warning against hoarding
While reviewing the overall fuel situation, the MP stated that supplies of petrol and diesel in the district remain stable. However, he cautioned against illegal hoarding of fuel and directed authorities to take strict action against violators.
He stressed that essential users—including those relying on fuel for generators and fishing activities—should not face shortages due to unfair practices.
Conclusion
The meeting concluded with a clear directive to prioritise domestic LPG consumers, particularly vulnerable households, while ensuring fair distribution across sectors. With authorities now tasked to address supply gaps and prevent misuse, the administration aims to restore normalcy and maintain reliable access to essential fuel in Udupi district.