AP Govt pushes PNG expansion amid LPG supply concerns

Metro India News | AMARAVATI

In the backdrop of emerging challenges in LPG supply across Andhra Pradesh, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has called for a strategic shift towards alternative energy solutions, emphasizing the need to expand the use of piped natural gas (PNG) and promote electric cooking appliances. Chairing a review meeting at his camp office on Monday, the Chief Minister directed officials to prepare a comprehensive action plan to ensure PNG connectivity to every household in the state.

Addressing officials, the Chief Minister stressed that the ongoing LPG supply issues should be viewed as an opportunity to transition towards more sustainable and efficient energy sources. He urged departments to actively promote the use of induction stoves and electric cookers among the public, thereby reducing dependency on LPG cylinders.

Officials informed the Chief Minister that while infrastructure exists to provide 2.34 lakh PNG connections, only about 60,000 consumers are currently utilizing the service. Expressing concern over the low uptake, Chandrababu Naidu instructed authorities to achieve 100 percent utilization and set a target of providing at least 10,000 new PNG connections in each district.

The Chief Minister also directed immediate steps to revive the long-pending Srikakulam-Kakinada gas pipeline project, instructing officials to write to the Union Minister concerned without delay. He further called for the issuance of necessary orders to strengthen the AP City Gas Distribution network and emphasized the need to bring a comprehensive Natural Gas Policy before the Cabinet at the earliest, particularly to boost usage in the commercial sector.

In the interim, the government has prioritized LPG cylinder distribution to essential sectors such as educational institutions, hospitals, anganwadi centres, Anna canteens, and hotels. Officials informed that over the past five days, an average of 1.80 lakh LPG cylinders per day have been supplied for domestic use, with an additional 14,444 metric tonnes of gas reserves currently available.

The Chief Minister also reviewed the impact of recent unseasonal rains on agriculture and sought preliminary reports from officials. He directed that a comprehensive assessment report on crop damage be submitted by March 26, enabling the government to take timely relief measures.

Highlighting the importance of the agricultural sector, officials noted that the state’s Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) in agriculture has grown by 40 percent, while overall production has increased by 71 percent. The Chief Minister advised departments to focus on improved crop management practices and crop diversification strategies to sustain this growth trajectory.

Underscoring the role of technology in governance, Chandrababu Naidu pointed to the successful use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in managing pilgrim flow at Tirumala. He noted that AI-enabled queue management systems have reduced waiting times and enabled nearly 20 percent more darshans, improving overall efficiency and pilgrim satisfaction.

He further highlighted that the establishment of advanced food testing laboratories has enhanced the quality of prasadam, earning positive feedback from devotees and volunteers alike. Drawing from this success, the Chief Minister directed all departments to adopt AI-driven solutions to improve public service delivery.