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Maharashtra Minister Assures LPG Supply, Urges Public Not to Panic

Maharashtra Minister Chhagan Bhujbal has appealed for calm, assuring citizens that the Centre and state are working to ensure smooth LPG supply. He announced a priority system for commercial LPG, guaranteeing full supply to hospitals and other essential services. The government has increased refinery production, set up district control rooms, and ordered police protection for distribution. Vigilance squads have been established to combat black marketing, resulting in numerous inspections, seizures, and arrests.

Key Points: Maharashtra LPG Crisis: Bhujbal Urges Calm, Details Supply Plan

  • Minister urges no panic over LPG supply
  • Priority sectors identified for commercial gas
  • Vigilance squads curb black marketing
  • Production increased, control rooms set up
3 min read

LPG crisis: Maharashtra Minister Chhagan Bhujbal urges citizens not to panic

Maharashtra Minister Chhagan Bhujbal assures citizens on LPG supply, outlines priority sectors and government measures against black marketing.

"LPG production in refineries has been increased from 9,000 metric tonnes to 11,000 metric tonnes. - Chhagan Bhujbal"

Mumbai, March 16

Maharashtra Minister of Food and Civil Supply Chhagan Bhujbal on Monday appealed to citizens not to worry about the LPG supply, saying that the Centre and state are making all efforts to ensure smooth supply.

In his statement in the state Legislative Council, the minister also clarified that there has only been a moderate increase in the price of edible oil compared to the period before the Middle East conflict.

Bhujbal announced that priority sectors have been identified for the supply of the remaining commercial LPG. Hospitals, Educational Institutions, Crematoriums, Old Age Homes, Orphanages have been assured 100 per cent gas supply, Defence, Government Sector, Railways, Aviation, Police/Jail Canteens 70 percent and Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation Canteens, Pharmaceutical Industry, Seed Processing, Fisheries 50 per cent.

"LPG production in refineries has been increased from 9,000 metric tonnes to 11,000 metric tonnes. Special committees and control rooms have been set up at the district level. Regular meetings are being held with oil companies (BPCL, HPCL, IOCL) and gas distributors. Directives were issued to resolve technical glitches in Gas Refill Booking Apps and missed call services. Police protection has been ordered for the transport and distribution of LPG. Oil companies have sufficient stocks, and distribution is currently smooth," said Minister Bhujbal.

According to the minister, it is the responsibility of the Central Government to supply, control, and determine the rates of petroleum products for all states in the country. In view of the war-like situation in the Middle East, the Central Government, on March 5, 2026, issued orders to oil companies to supply LPG only for domestic use to ensure a smooth fuel supply. The Central Government has increased the price of domestic LPG cylinders from Rs 852.50 to Rs 912.50 as of March 7, 2026. Similarly, the price of commercial cylinders has been increased from Rs 1,720.50 to Rs 1,835.00.

Minister Bhujbal said the state government has also taken a slew of measures to maintain a smooth supply of fuel and prevent black marketing.

"The state government has given instructions through a letter on March 8 to District Collectors and regional offices to establish vigilance squads at the district level to take action against black marketing. The High Court, Nagpur Bench, was informed via a letter on March 11, 2026, that the State Government is considering the distribution of kerosene as an alternative fuel to LPG," he added.

Minister Bhujbal said that vigilance squads during January to March have taken various actions, including: Inspections - 2,129; number of seized Gas Cylinders - 1,208; value of seized goods - Rs 3,366,411; cases filed - 23 and number of arrests - 18.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
All these announcements are fine, but the ground reality is different. My mother in Pune had to wait 5 days for a refill last week. Setting up control rooms is one thing, making them actually work for citizens is another. Action against black marketing is welcome though.
A
Aman W
At least they are being transparent with the numbers – inspections, seizures, arrests. That shows some seriousness. The focus on crematoriums is a thoughtful touch, respecting our traditions even during a crisis. Hope the kerosene alternative plan is implemented fast for rural areas.
S
Sarah B
As someone who runs a small catering business, the 50% supply for fisheries and seed processing is crucial, but what about standalone restaurants? The commercial cylinder price hike is massive. "Don't panic" is easy to say, hard to do when costs are skyrocketing.
V
Vikram M
The minister is right that the Centre controls fuel pricing. This is a global issue due to the Middle East situation. We need to be patient and support these measures. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳
K
Kavya N
Police protection for LPG transport? That sounds alarming. Does it mean there's a threat of theft or violence? This crisis seems deeper than they are letting on. As a citizen, I appreciate the info, but it also makes me more anxious.

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