Residents of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands have been reassured of an ample supply of LPG cylinders following public concern over alleged shortages, with officials clarifying that recent panic stemmed from distribution bottlenecks rather than stock depletion.
Ramesh Kumar, Secretary, and Mohammed Iqbal, General Manager of CCS Limited, issued a joint statement emphasizing that there is no fuel crisis in the islands. The administration has immediately halted all direct sales from the Brookshabad storage depot to ensure equitable distribution and prevent remote stock depletion.
“The closure of the Brookshabad godown to public pickup is necessary to stop residents from areas like Calicut and Prothrapur from taking supplies meant for local households,” Ramesh Kumar said. He highlighted that issuing cylinders directly from storage depots is against Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) norms. While the new system may require a few days to stabilize, Kumar assured that delivery trucks will reach even the most remote households across the islands.
Mohammed Iqbal confirmed that petroleum supplies across Andaman remain sufficient, with additional shipments planned to reinforce existing reserves. An IOC tanker is expected to arrive within 48 hours, and recent inter-island transfers include 2,500 cylinders dispatched to Nicobar, with further shipments slated for Campbell Bay and Hut Bay. Regular deliveries continue uninterrupted for Neil and Havelock islands via dedicated boats.
CCS Limited has also strengthened its delivery services to support vulnerable residents. Officials stated that delivery staff will now assist elderly and single-resident households by carrying cylinders directly into homes. The move aims to ensure safe and orderly distribution while reducing the need for public gatherings at storage sites.
Authorities urge residents to remain calm and refrain from crowding the Brookshabad workshop. Scheduled truck routes will prioritize local residents and government quarters, reinforcing a fair and systematic approach to LPG distribution.
This policy adjustment comes amid rising concerns over supply chain efficiency and equitable access to essential fuels across the islands. By restricting direct godown sales and enhancing doorstep delivery, CCS Limited aims to mitigate public inconvenience while maintaining consistent LPG availability.
Officials emphasize that the administration’s focus remains on transparent distribution and timely delivery. Residents are encouraged to rely on official delivery channels and avoid misinformation, which could exacerbate unnecessary panic.
With the new system in effect, Andaman and Nicobar Islands are expected to see improved management of LPG supplies, particularly in remote and difficult-to-access areas. The coordinated effort between the administration and CCS Limited underlines a commitment to public service and the uninterrupted availability of essential energy resources for all island households.
