Govt to address gas shortage woes of industries

Lokmat News Network

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar

Maharashtra industry minister Uday Samant on Thursday assured entrepreneurs that the State government stands firmly with them amid reports of gas shortages due to the ongoing Gulf conflict, saying that the issue would be raised in the Assembly on Friday.

He said the issue would also be taken up with union petroleum minister Hardeep Singh Puri, and a detailed report would be submitted to the chief minister.

Speaking to industry representatives at a late-night meeting held at a five-star hotel in the city, Samant said the State government is working to resolve problems caused by the disruption in commercial gas supply.

The meeting was attended by divisional commissioner Dr Jitendra Papalkar, district collector Dilip Swami, Auric managing director P D Malikner, MIDC joint director Dr Vijay Rathod, municipal commissioner G Sreekanth, and Bharat Petroleum regional manager Manoj Kumar Yadav, along with representatives of various industry associations. Discussions covered gas shortages and possible alternative fuel arrangements. Yadav informed that gas supply through pipelines continues in Waluj and Shendra–Auric industrial areas, and directions have been issued to ensure supply to industries that require it. Papalkar and Swami briefed the minister on administrative measures already taken.

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Stakeholders meeting today

Industry minister Uday Samant said a meeting would be held on Friday with the divisional commissioner, collector, and all relevant stakeholders to review industrial issues and resolve their concerns.

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Call for community biogas plant

The association suggested setting up a community biogas plant on the Gujarat model, citing the LPG shortage’s impact on industrial operations and the need for alternative fuel sources to ensure continuity.

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MIDC land for Bamboo cultivation

Highlighting the need for alternative solutions during emergencies, the industry minister suggested bamboo cultivation as a long-term option. Industries could explore gas generation from bamboo biomass, with vacant MIDC land made available for bamboo plantations.

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'Do your own marketing'

Industry minister Uday Samant instructed BPCL officials to independently market and ensure gas supply to industries, confirmed Manoj Kumar Yadav, regional manager of BPCL, during the meeting.