Sri Vijaya Puram, May 4: A severe shortage of LPG cylinders in Little Andaman has disrupted daily life for residents across three panchayats, with supply failing to meet even a fraction of the demand over the past two and a half months. The issue has prompted an urgent appeal to the administration for immediate intervention.
According to official representations submitted to the Lt Governor of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, areas including Rabindra Nagar, V.K. Pur, and parts of R.K. Pur have not received regular LPG cylinder deliveries, leaving households struggling to meet basic cooking needs.
Data indicates that the total demand for domestic 14.2 kg LPG cylinders in Hut Bay stands at approximately 4,963 units. However, only around 1,000 cylinders have been distributed in Little Andaman during this period, creating a significant supply gap. The shortfall has resulted in widespread inconvenience, particularly for families that rely entirely on LPG for cooking.
Residents report that the prolonged absence of supply has forced many to seek alternative and often unsafe cooking methods. The situation is especially difficult for vulnerable groups, including elderly residents and families without access to traditional cooking resources.
Local authorities have acknowledged the issue, noting that the current Manager of CCS, Little Andaman, has been making consistent efforts to streamline distribution. However, officials clarified that effective distribution at the local level remains impossible without adequate stock arriving from the supply chain.
“The problem is not at the distribution stage but at the source,” the representation highlighted, pointing to irregular supply shipments as the primary cause of the crisis. Despite local attempts to manage the situation, the lack of incoming LPG stock has stalled relief efforts.
The issue has now escalated into a broader public concern, with calls for systemic reforms to prevent recurrence. Residents and local representatives have urged the administration to establish a consistent and reliable supply mechanism, ensuring timely delivery of cylinders to remote island regions.
Rajesh Majumdar, State Vice President of Hindu Rashtra Shakti in the islands, formally raised the matter, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. In his appeal, he requested immediate corrective measures and long-term planning to address supply chain inefficiencies.
With no immediate resolution in sight, pressure is mounting on authorities to act swiftly. The ongoing crisis highlights the logistical challenges of supplying essential commodities to remote island regions and underscores the need for improved infrastructure and planning.
Officials are yet to announce concrete steps, but residents remain hopeful that the administration will prioritize the issue and restore normal supply at the earliest.
