Kerala Government Assures Public of Sufficient LPG Supplies

The Kerala government has sought to reassure citizens regarding the availability of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) amidst global supply chain concerns linked to ongoing conflicts in West Asia. Officials from the Food and Civil Supplies Department revealed that the state currently holds a significant amount of domestic LPG stock, amounting to 22,064.9 metric tonnes, while also maintaining 1,601.9 metric tonnes for non-domestic use and 1,487.6 metric tonnes in transit.

The domestic LPG reserves are sufficient to meet demand for over six days, providing confidence in the uninterrupted supply of cooking gas to households. Kerala has approximately 9.845 million domestic LPG users, a number that includes 2.046 million single-bottle connection users and 7.799 million double-bottle connection users serviced by the Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. (IOC), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd. (BPCL), and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd. (HPCL).

As of the latest figures dated 26 February, daily consumption levels in the state have been recorded at 2,985 metric tonnes for domestic use and 753 metric tonnes for non-domestic purposes. The state's bottling plants together hold 19,847.7 metric tonnes of LPG.

The highest stock of domestic LPG is currently at BPCL’s Kochi plant, which has 10,961 metric tonnes reserved. The government has implemented a robust monitoring system to ensure cooking gas supply is consistent and accessible. This structure includes guidelines established following a high-level review meeting headed by the Chief Minister, which involved representatives from oil marketing firms.

To further strengthen management, a new State Crisis Management Committee has been established. This committee will oversee the LPG supply situation and guide distribution strategies. The Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department has been appointed as the main agency responsible for these efforts, while the Commissioner of Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs will act as the State Nodal Officer. The management system also features an Emergency Response Cell and a real-time LPG monitoring dashboard.

District-level committees, presided over by District Collectors, are instrumental in closely monitoring stock levels, resolving refill delays, and ensuring that essential sectors such as hospitals and educational institutions receive priority in LPG distribution. In response to potential supply constraints, the government has directed that non-domestic LPG distribution will be limited to around 20% of average daily consumption.

The government's proactive measures aim to alleviate any concerns surrounding the LPG supply situation in Kerala during these trying times. Residents have been encouraged to remain calm, as the state prepares to face ongoing global challenges while ensuring essential services continue without disruption.