Sri Vijaya Puram, July 29: Residents of Campbell Bay in Great Nicobar have faced a prolonged shortage of domestic LPG cylinders after disruptions to scheduled shipping services interrupted supplies for several months, prompting the Andaman and Nicobar Administration to initiate emergency measures to restore the availability of the essential cooking fuel. The Administration has coordinated with multiple agencies to dispatch additional LPG consignments while working to normalise supplies through regular vessel services.
According to the Administration, the shortage developed after scheduled shipping services carrying LPG cylinders to Campbell Bay were disrupted over the past few months, preventing the regular transportation of domestic cylinders to the remote region. The disruption led to a gradual depletion of available stocks, resulting in a temporary shortage for consumers.
The supply and distribution of domestic LPG cylinders across the Islands are undertaken by Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) through its authorised LPG distributor. The Directorate of Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs (CS&CA), on behalf of the Andaman and Nicobar Administration, said it continuously monitors the availability and distribution of LPG throughout the Union Territory.
To address the immediate shortage in Campbell Bay, the Administration approached the Indian Navy for logistical assistance. Through coordinated efforts involving the Indian Navy, the Andaman and Nicobar Command, IOCL and other stakeholders, a special consignment of 250 filled LPG cylinders was transported to Campbell Bay, providing immediate relief to consumers affected by the supply disruption.
However, the Administration stated that the demand for domestic LPG cylinders in Campbell Bay continues to exceed the quantity supplied. In view of the continuing shortfall, the Directorate has again requested the Indian Navy to assist in transporting an additional consignment of 250 filled LPG cylinders. The proposed movement will depend on the operational feasibility of the Indian Navy.
Alongside these efforts, the Administration has initiated arrangements to transport around 200 LPG cylinders through MV Chuglam during the first week of August. Authorities are also working to move adequate quantities of LPG cylinders through the scheduled voyages of MV Manav Star and MV Sakthi to strengthen regular supplies to the region.
The Administration said these coordinated measures are expected to improve the availability of domestic LPG cylinders in Campbell Bay by the first week of August, with normal supplies likely to be restored once the planned consignments reach the area.
The supply disruption highlights the logistical challenges involved in maintaining the uninterrupted delivery of essential commodities to remote island communities that depend heavily on maritime transport. Any prolonged interruption to scheduled shipping services can directly affect the availability of household necessities, including cooking fuel.
The Andaman and Nicobar Administration expressed appreciation to the Indian Navy and the Andaman and Nicobar Command for their support in facilitating the emergency transportation of LPG cylinders to Campbell Bay. It also assured residents that all possible efforts are continuing to restore regular domestic LPG supplies at the earliest.
