LPG – Kerala Moves to Address Non-Domestic Cylinder Shortage With Urgent Measures
LPG – Kerala has begun taking urgent steps to manage the shortage of liquefied petroleum gas cylinders meant for commercial and institutional use. The decision was taken during a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, where officials reviewed the growing pressure on cooking gas supply across the state and discussed immediate solutions to stabilize availability.
Rising Demand Behind Cylinder Shortage
Officials at the meeting noted that the demand for non-domestic LPG cylinders has been increasing steadily in recent months. One of the major reasons highlighted was the growing number of migrant workers living and working in the state, along with the expansion of commercial establishments and institutional kitchens.
Currently, the allocation limit for non-domestic LPG cylinders stands at around 20 percent. Considering the rising consumption, the Kerala government has decided to approach the central government with a request to raise this quota. State authorities believe that a higher allocation will help ease pressure on the supply chain and support businesses and institutions that depend on LPG for daily operations.
Monitoring System to Track Supply and Usage
To ensure better oversight of LPG distribution, the state government has decided to establish a dedicated monitoring mechanism. A state-level monitoring committee will be formed to supervise overall supply, consumption patterns, and distribution across Kerala.
In addition, district-level committees led by district collectors will oversee the situation locally. These teams will closely track cylinder availability and address any supply disruptions quickly.
Officials also confirmed that a digital dashboard system will be introduced. This platform will collect and analyze data on daily consumption and supply patterns, helping authorities detect shortages early and respond more effectively.
Meeting With LPG Companies to Address Crisis
The decisions were finalized during a meeting between the Kerala government and representatives from major LPG companies operating in the state. The discussion focused on identifying practical ways to manage the current cooking gas shortage and prevent further disruptions.
Industry representatives and government officials reviewed supply trends, logistical challenges, and possible policy measures to improve the distribution system.
Priority Supply Plan During Shortages
Another key outcome of the meeting was the proposal to establish a clear priority system for non-domestic LPG distribution during periods of shortage.
Essential institutions will be given priority access to LPG cylinders. These include hospitals, old-age homes, orphanages, schools, community kitchens, IT park cafeterias, and factory canteens. Officials emphasized that these institutions provide essential services and must continue functioning without interruption.
Representatives from LPG companies indicated that guidelines for implementing this priority-based distribution can be issued to ensure smooth coordination between suppliers and authorities.
Additional Sectors May Be Added to Priority List
The state government also plans to review other sectors that may require priority access to LPG supplies. Officials will prepare a list of additional institutions or facilities that rely heavily on commercial cooking gas.
During the meeting, the Chief Minister stressed that critical services must remain unaffected. He specifically noted that crematorium operations should not face disruptions due to a shortage of LPG cylinders, highlighting the importance of maintaining uninterrupted access to essential services.
Steps to Prevent Misuse of Domestic Cylinders
Authorities also discussed concerns about the illegal use of domestic LPG cylinders for commercial purposes. Such misuse can worsen shortages and disrupt supply for households.
To address this issue, enforcement teams will conduct stricter inspections across the state. These teams will include officials from the Revenue Department, Civil Supplies Department, police authorities, and representatives from LPG companies. Their objective will be to detect and prevent the diversion of domestic cylinders to commercial establishments.
Measures to Stabilize Fuel Availability
The Civil Supplies Department will also increase the distribution of kerosene as an alternative fuel option in areas experiencing shortages.
In addition, officials said the department will actively counter misinformation related to the cooking gas supply situation. Authorities emphasized that accurate communication is necessary to prevent unnecessary panic among consumers.
Senior Officials and Industry Leaders Attend Meeting
Several senior government officials attended the meeting, including Civil Supplies Minister G R Anil, Finance Minister K N Balagopal, and Local Self Government Minister M B Rajesh. Chief Secretary Dr A Jayathilak and other senior administrators were also present.
Representatives from public sector oil companies participated in the discussions as well. Among them were IOCL Chief General Manager Geetika Verma, BPCL LPG State Head Tharyan Peter, and HPCL Regional Manager Amsur Rahman.
Officials said the coordination between the state government and LPG suppliers will continue as Kerala works to stabilize cooking gas availability and ensure that essential services remain unaffected.