Sheekha Bureau
Campbell Bay, July 22: The prolonged disruption in the supply of domestic LPG cylinders in Great Nicobar Island has triggered widespread public anger, with elected PRI representatives warning of a protest if the issue is not resolved immediately. In a joint representation addressed to the Chief Secretary, A&N Administration, the local representatives have sought urgent intervention to restore the regular supply of LPG cylinders to the residents of Great Nicobar.
Talking to Andaman Sheekha, Mr. G. Venkat Rao, Pradhan of Govind Nagar Gram Panchayat, said that a meeting has been scheduled today to discuss the issue with the concerned authorities. However, he made it clear that regardless of the outcome of the meeting, the proposed peaceful democratic protests and mass agitation will be held on 24 July 2026 to highlight the hardships being faced by the people due to the continued non-delivery of LPG cylinders.
According to the jointly signed representation sent on last Friday, the residents of Great Nicobar have not received domestic LPG cylinders for the last three months, despite repeated representations made to the authorities. The letter states that LPG is an essential household commodity and the prolonged disruption has caused immense hardship to families, forcing many to resort to alternative cooking arrangements while bearing additional financial burden and safety concerns.
The PRI representatives pointed out that the issue is not an isolated incident but reflects a recurring and long-standing problem in the transportation and distribution of LPG cylinders to Great Nicobar. They stated that frequent interruptions in the supply chain have become routine, making it impossible for residents to replenish their LPG stock on time and severely affecting their daily lives.
The representation further states that despite several complaints and requests made to the concerned authorities over the past months, no tangible steps have been taken to restore regular supplies. The signatories alleged that the continued inaction has increased public resentment and frustration among the residents of Great Nicobar.
Highlighting the role of the Directorate of Shipping Services, the letter states that two years ago, TCI ship services ensured the regular transportation of LPG cylinders, petrol, diesel and other essential commodities to Campbell Bay. However, after the withdrawal of TCI ship services, the transportation of essential commodities became highly irregular, with LPG cylinders reportedly reaching Campbell Bay only after delays of nearly three months. According to the representation, this has created artificial shortages, increased prices of essential goods and caused severe hardship to the people.
Expressing concern over the present arrangement, the PRI representatives stated that despite adequate public funds being available, the Directorate of Shipping Services has failed to maintain appropriate transport arrangements and has instead relied on private ships for transporting essential commodities. The letter states that this has raised serious concerns regarding planning, accountability and prioritisation of public welfare.
Seeking immediate action, the representatives have requested the Chief Secretary to direct the concerned department and LPG distributor to restore uninterrupted LPG supply, conduct an inquiry into the reasons for the prolonged disruption, fix responsibility on officials and agencies concerned, ensure immediate transportation and distribution of adequate LPG stocks, and establish an effective monitoring mechanism to prevent such disruptions in future.
Warning that public patience is wearing thin, the representation states that if the supply of LPG cylinders is not restored within the next seven days, residents of Campbell Bay will have no option but to organise peaceful democratic protests and mass agitation to draw the attention of the Administration. The signatories cautioned that any further delay could adversely affect public order and inconvenience the general public, urging the Administration to intervene before the situation escalates.
The representation has been jointly signed by Panchayat Samiti Pramukh, Up-Pramukh of Panchayat Samiti Campbell Bay, Zilla Parishad Member, Campbell Bay & Govind Nagar, Zilla Parishad Member, Laxmi Nagar, Pradhan, GP Campbell Bay, Pradhan, GP Govind Nagar, and Pradhan, GP Laxmi Nagar, reflecting a united stand by the elected PRI representatives over the continuing LPG crisis in Great Nicobar. More details are awaited.
