Mumbai, April 2 (NationPress) Jaikumar Rawal, Maharashtra's Minister of Protocol and Marketing, stated on Thursday that in light of the global LPG crisis caused by the conflict in West Asia, the state administration is implementing all necessary steps to guarantee a consistent gas supply for domestic sectors, ventures established by foreign investors, and the general populace.

He stressed that the government is committed to ensuring that no industry suffers during this challenging period.

In response to queries from the Consuls General of Sweden, Japan, and South Korea regarding the LPG supply for industries backed by foreign investors in Pune, the minister led a high-level discussion.

Minister Rawal observed that while international supply chains are facing disruptions and shipping expenses have increased, Prime Minister Modi is closely overseeing the situation.

Guided by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, the state is following central directives to distribute LPG in a systematic manner, offering immediate assistance to priority sectors.

To combat black marketing and the creation of artificial shortages, the minister revealed that dedicated control rooms and helplines have been established in each district.

Officials have been instructed to respond swiftly to complaints and to impose stringent legal measures against individuals involved in price inflation or the generation of artificial shortages.

A representative from the Food and Civil Supply Department outlined the phased supply plan outlined by the Central government, where hospitals, educational establishments, and social organizations will receive LPG as a top priority, followed by restaurants, the food sector, and labor-intensive industries.

The list for the remaining sectors is currently being finalized, and normal supply is anticipated within the next 48 hours.

The meeting also underscored the government's initiative for PNG (Piped Natural Gas). To expedite City Gas Distribution (CGD) projects, all requisite permits are being prioritized.

Permissions for road excavation and pipeline installation are being approved within a 24-hour window. Most infrastructure development is expected to conclude within this month.

The foreign delegates present expressed their approval and appreciated the state government's transparent and proactive approach.

They commended the coordinated efforts between the Central and state administrations to sustain the supply chain during this period, as noted by the minister.

“This crisis is temporary, and we expect the situation to normalize soon. We urge all industries and citizens of the state to collaborate with the administration during this time,” Minister Rawal remarked.