Bhopal, April 7 (NationPress) The Madhya Pradesh Cabinet Committee, established to evaluate the effects of international developments and the changing dynamics in West Asia, convened on Tuesday to examine the availability and supply status of essential petroleum products, including petrol, diesel, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), compressed natural gas (CNG), and piped natural gas (PNG).

During this session, officials were directed to guarantee the sufficient availability of commercial LPG cylinders at both district and tehsil levels. The committee stressed the need for strict surveillance against irregularities, issuing a warning that immediate measures must be taken against any occurrences of black marketing.

Committee members were informed that there are currently adequate quantities of petroleum products in the state, bolstered by a steady supply of crude oil. However, it was noted that domestic LPG bookings are experiencing waiting times of approximately 25 days in urban areas and up to 45 days in rural settings, according to a press statement from the state government on Tuesday. Nonetheless, authorities assured that booking volumes remain within normal parameters and that supply is being managed effectively.

Ajay Srivastava, the State Nodal Officer for oil companies, mentioned that commercial LPG cylinder distribution is currently operating at a 70 percent limit, in accordance with directives from the Central Government. This represents a notable increase from the previous 20 percent supply cap.

The committee also assessed actions taken against black marketing. So far, raids have been executed at 3,226 locations, resulting in the seizure of 3,872 gas cylinders, with 11 First Information Reports filed in connection with these violations.

In addition, City Gas Distribution companies have been given the objective of providing 200,000 new PNG connections within the upcoming three months. In the last 24 hours, 225 new connections have already been established. Authorities have been instructed to monitor application volumes on a daily basis and to ensure timely delivery of these connections.

Residents located near existing pipeline networks are urged to apply for PNG connections swiftly, as LPG connections in those areas could be phased out within three months.

To support this expansion, departments have been tasked with granting pipeline-related permissions within 24 hours, and district-level monitoring systems along with consumer grievance redressal control rooms have been set up to enhance implementation efficiency.