LPG Backlogs to End by May 16: Minister Nadendla
During a teleconference with the officials, the minister reviewed LPG backlogs, the illegal diversion of PDS rice and the daily situations in petrol bunks.
Vijayawada:Civil Supplies Minister Nadendla Manohar on Wednesday directed the district-level officials to clear LPG supply backlogs by May 16 and warned of strict action against irregularities by gas distributors.
During a teleconference with the officials, the minister reviewed LPG backlogs, the illegal diversion of PDS rice and the daily situations in petrol bunks.
He said oil companies had assured the government that pending LPG supply issues would be resolved by May 16. Officials must ensure that booked gas cylinders are delivered within four to five days in all districts.
The minister said rural areas are facing larger backlogs, especially in the West Godavari, Eluru, Anakapalli, Visakhapatnam, and Guntur districts. In some segments, more than 5,000 bookings are pending.
He stressed the need for close coordination with oil companies. Officials must conduct regular field inspections to ensure smooth delivery operations. Distributors indulging in negligence or diversion of cylinders should face suspension.
“Cases must be registered wherever violations are found. Action should serve as a deterrent to others,” the minister said, while directing strict implementation of the OTP-based LPG delivery system.
Reviewing the recent fuel shortage situation, Manohar asked officials to ensure that petrol bunks do not run dry again. “Establish a rapid-response mechanism to address shortages immediately and directed petrol bunk operators to display boards assuring customers about adequate fuel availability to prevent panic buying.”
Civil supplies commissioner K Kannababu was present at the review meeting.
The minister ordered strict monitoring of bulk fuel sales and suspicious nozzle transactions. Action should be taken against petrol bunk owners violating norms, he said, adding that officials should coordinate with police to act against those spreading rumours and panic through social media.
On the illegal diversion of PDS rice, Manohar directed all districts to constitute special task forces immediately. Reports indicated large-scale diversion from warehouses and ration shops.
Officials have been asked to identify ration dealers and MLS point-in-charge involved in malpractice and recommend strict action. The minister also called for invoking the PD Act against organised syndicates engaged in illegal transportation of ration rice.