Sri Vijaya Puram, July 11: Domestic LPG supply to Katchal Island has been disrupted due to logistical constraints and the non-availability of regular shipping services, prompting the Andaman and Nicobar Administration to initiate alternate transportation arrangements, including seeking assistance from the Indian Navy to restore the supply of the essential commodity.
The Administration informed residents that the shortage has resulted from unavoidable disruptions in the regular transportation network, affecting the movement of filled domestic LPG cylinders to the island. The interruption has temporarily impacted the availability of cooking gas for households dependent on regular supplies.
Authorities said efforts are underway on priority to normalize the supply and replenish LPG stocks at the earliest. Alternate transportation options are being explored to move filled domestic LPG cylinders to Katchal Island until regular shipping arrangements are restored.
As part of the immediate response, the Administration has sought the assistance of the Indian Navy to transport domestic LPG cylinders from Sri Vijaya Puram. According to the Administration, a naval vessel is expected to dispatch the cylinders to Katchal Island, preferably within the next six days, to meet the island’s immediate domestic LPG requirements.
The proposed shipment is expected to provide temporary relief to residents affected by the disruption while authorities continue efforts to restore regular transportation of essential supplies.
The Administration stated that it is closely monitoring the situation and is taking necessary measures to ensure that the interruption in LPG availability is addressed without undue delay. The focus remains on restoring adequate stocks on the island through alternative logistical arrangements.
Residents of Katchal Island have been requested to cooperate during the temporary disruption until the replenishment of LPG stocks is completed. Authorities have reiterated that every possible effort is being made to resume normal supply as early as possible.
The disruption highlights the dependence of remote islands on maritime transport for the movement of essential commodities and the challenges that arise when regular shipping services are interrupted. With alternative arrangements now being put in place, the Administration expects the immediate shortage to ease once the proposed consignment reaches Katchal Island.
The Administration maintained that ensuring uninterrupted availability of domestic LPG remains a priority and said steps are being taken to normalize the supply chain at the earliest.
