Mumbai, Mar 28 (PTI) Maharashtra Food and Civil Supplies Minister Chhagan Bhujbal on Saturday called for rapid expansion of piped natural gas (PNG) connections, citing the possibility of disruption in the LPG supply in the coming months due to the ongoing conflict in West Asia.
Speaking to reporters in New Delhi, Bhujbal said approvals for laying PNG pipelines would be expedited, and permissions across departments would be deemed granted within 24 hours to fast-track the work.
Bhujbal stated that he attended a meeting in the national capital with Union Ministers Manohar Lal Khattar, Hardeep Singh Puri, and Pralhad Joshi, along with state ministers and senior officials, to review measures for smooth LPG supply to domestic and commercial consumers and identify bottlenecks.
“PNG is currently cheaper and must be utilised to the maximum extent. A communication from the Centre indicated that LPG supply may face disruptions after three months. Therefore, we must ensure maximum PNG connections, and all municipal bodies should accelerate this work,” he said.
Bhujbal said he urged the union government to promote wider adoption of PNG and suggested that municipalities mandate piped gas connections for buildings, similar to water and electricity, before granting occupancy certificates.
He further said that approvals for laying PNG pipelines would be expedited, and permissions across departments would be deemed granted within 24 hours to fast-track the process.
Referring to concerns over the availability of gas, the minister said that the state has allowed the use of kerosene in areas where LPG and PNG supply is inadequate.
He informed that steps are being taken to distribute kerosene through petrol pumps, and pending renewals of old dealers will be treated as approved to ensure immediate supply. PTI ND ARU
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