Hyderabad, Apr 1 (PTI) Telangana Civil Supplies Department Commissioner M Stephen Raveendra on Wednesday directed private auto LPG marketing companies to immediately source and import LPG from all available channels in view of shortage faced by LPG autorickshaws in the state, especially in Hyderabad.

While domestic LPG supply is successfully being maintained, the auto LPG segment has been experiencing 35 per cent drop in supply, an official release said.

The Commissioner convened a meeting here with representatives of private auto LPG marketing companies to address the ongoing auto LPG shortage and safeguard the livelihoods of auto-rickshaw drivers.

He conducted a thorough review of the pre-crisis and post-crisis supply scenarios, it said.

Noting that private operators control 80 per cent of the auto LPG market share with 110 outlets across the state, Raveendra issued directives to the private entities to immediately source and import LPG from all available channels, it said.

He stressed the critical need to increase supply, particularly within Hyderabad.

The Commissioner warned that any failure to maintain adequate supply levels will result in stringent action.

Raveendra reiterated that ensuring fuel availability for auto-rickshaw drivers remains a top priority for the government to prevent disruptions to public transport.

The Civil Supplies department is continuously monitoring and taking all necessary steps to ensure uninterrupted auto operations in Hyderabad and working in close coordination with the Centre and Oil Marketing Companies, the release added.

Telangana Civil Supplies Minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy on Tuesday wrote to Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri and requested urgent additional LPG supplies by the Centre.

The Minister noted that around one lakh LPG auto-rickshaws are plying in the state.

Due to prevailing supply constraints, there is a shortfall of around 55 MTs per day of auto LPG.

The auto LPG distribution network in Telangana comprises both PSUs and private operators with PSUs including IOCL, HPCL and BPCL collectively accounting for a share of 20 per cent, operating 33 outlets, while private operators operate 110 outlets, accounting for 80 per cent market share. PTI VVK VVK ROH