Resolved Fuel, LPG Supply Challenges: Uttam Kumar Reddy

Telangana Civil Supplies and Irrigation Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy today affirmed that Telangana had addressed the recent challenges related to the supply of petroleum products including LPG.

During his virtual participation in a meeting convened by the Union Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, along with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Reddy said that a brief phase of panic buying of petrol, diesel and domestic LPG had led to temporary supply disruptions. However, the overall situation was more or less under control, with supply levels matching demand in most regions, he said.

"I have closely monitored the present situation. Whatever issues exist in our cities, we will address them. The concerned distribution companies have also briefed me," he said.

He added that any issues hindering the expansion of the Piped Natural Gas (PNG) network in cities would be taken up with Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, who also oversaw municipal administration and urban development. "We will hold a meeting and resolve any such issues," he said.

Referring to the ground situation in Telangana, he acknowledged a shortage of commercial LPG and expressed hope that it would be resolved soon if the Centre increased allocations to the State. He also flagged certain procurement-related issues to be taken up separately with Union Minister Prahlad Joshi.

He said that in mid-March, rumours linked to geopolitical tensions in West Asia had triggered panic buying, but the State government responded with multiple reviews and crackdowns on black marketing. So now domestic LPG, which constituted the bulk of consumption, remained largely stable, and just commercial LPG faced shortages, he said.

The State's CGD operator, Bhagyanagar Gas, continues to expand CNG infrastructure in Hyderabad, where dozens of stations are already operational, catering to auto-rickshaws, taxis and private vehicles.

The preparatory meeting organised by the Centre was part of a coordinated response to ensure uninterrupted civic services and accelerate the expansion of PNG networks in urban areas. Union Ministers Manohar Lal Khattar (Housing & Urban Affairs), Hardeep Singh Puri (Petroleum and Natural Gas) and Prahlad Joshi (Renewable Energy) were among those who participated.

Representatives from the GHMC were among those from 14 civic bodies across the country who attended the meeting. They were briefed on the importance of natural gas and the expansion of its network.