Residents of Great Island Face LPG Shortage as Crisis Nears Three Months

Port Blair, India Jul 13, 2026 ALN: Residents of Great Island are grappling with a severe shortage of domestic LPG cylinders, as fresh supplies have reportedly not reached the island for nearly two and a half months. This prolonged disruption has raised significant concerns among households, many of whom are struggling to cope without cooking gas. With no immediate resolution in sight, the crisis is now about to enter its third month, heightening fears of further hardship for the island’s residents.

The situation on Great Island is emblematic of broader issues faced by remote communities that rely heavily on regular shipments of essential goods. LPG, or liquefied petroleum gas, is a vital resource for cooking and heating, and its absence can lead to significant disruptions in daily life. For many households, especially those without access to alternative cooking methods, the lack of LPG cylinders means that meal preparation becomes a daunting challenge. This is particularly concerning in a region where the availability of kerosene or firewood may also be limited, as mentioned by local leaders.

During a recent discussion, Mr. Sanjay Singh, a Zilla Parishad Member from Govind Nagar, Great, attributed the disruption in LPG supply to operational issues faced by Shakti Shipping, whose vessels are reportedly in dry dock. He emphasized that while the shipping company’s challenges may be legitimate, it is the administration's duty to ensure that essential commodities, such as LPG, reach the island through alternative arrangements. “The public cannot be expected to suffer because a contractor’s vessels are unavailable. The administration must ensure that LPG cylinders are transported by any available means,” he stated.

The operational challenges faced by Shakti Shipping highlight the vulnerabilities of supply chains that serve remote . Shipping companies often face issues such as maintenance of vessels, regulatory compliance, or unforeseen mechanical failures that can lead to significant delays in service. In this case, the dry dock status of Shakti Shipping's vessels has created a bottleneck in the supply of LPG, leaving residents in a precarious situation.

Mr. Singh further highlighted that Great requires approximately 3000 LPG cylinders every month and urged the administration to explore alternative transportation options immediately. This could include hiring other vessels operating to Campbell Bay or engaging another shipping operator if necessary. He expressed frustration that despite repeated reminders to the authorities, no concrete action has been taken. The lack of proactive measures by the administration raises questions about the contingency plans in place for such emergencies.

The reliance on a single shipping contractor for essential supplies can be risky, and it underscores the importance of diversification in logistics operations. By establishing relationships with multiple shipping companies, the administration could mitigate the impact of disruptions in the future and ensure that essential goods continue to flow to Great Island without interruption.

Moreover, he suggested that if needed, the administration should direct Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) to arrange direct LPG supplies to Campbell Bay until regular shipping services resume. This would not only provide immediate relief but would also demonstrate a commitment to addressing the needs of residents during a crisis. The involvement of a major entity like IOC could also expedite the process, as they may have the resources and logistics capabilities to respond more swiftly to the needs of the island.

As the shortage approaches the three-month mark, residents have appealed to the administration to prioritize this issue and restore the uninterrupted supply of cooking gas without further delay. The growing frustration among the populace is palpable, as many families are left to navigate the challenges of meal preparation without their primary cooking fuel. The psychological toll of such a crisis cannot be overlooked; the stress and anxiety of uncertain access to essential resources can lead to broader social issues, including unrest.

Mr. Singh warned that if the LPG supply issue is not resolved soon, residents of Campbell Bay may have no choice but to protest. He noted that anxiety is growing among the populace as neither kerosene nor firewood is readily available, leaving many families without alternative cooking methods. “If the situation continues, people will be forced to launch an agitation to make their voices heard,” he cautioned. He urged both the administration and the Prime Minister to ensure that the LPG supply is restored promptly to prevent the crisis from escalating. Protests could further complicate the situation, potentially leading to a breakdown in communication between residents and officials, and could create a climate of tension that hampers efforts to resolve the underlying issues.

The implications of the LPG shortage extend beyond mere inconvenience. For many families, the inability to cook meals can lead to nutritional deficiencies, especially among vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly. Additionally, the economic impact of such a crisis can be significant; businesses that rely on LPG for cooking or heating may experience disruptions that affect their operations and profitability. This can lead to a ripple effect throughout the local economy, compounding the challenges faced by residents.

As the situation continues to unfold, it is imperative for both the local administration and the shipping companies involved to communicate transparently with residents about the status of LPG supplies. Regular updates and clear timelines for the restoration of services can help alleviate some of the anxiety currently felt by residents. Furthermore, engaging the community in discussions about potential solutions could foster a sense of collaboration and shared responsibility in addressing the crisis.

In conclusion, the LPG shortage on Great Island serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by remote communities in maintaining access to essential resources. It underscores the need for robust contingency planning and diversified logistics strategies to ensure that residents are not left in dire situations due to unforeseen disruptions. As the administration works to resolve the current crisis, it is crucial to prioritize the needs of the community and implement measures that will prevent similar situations from arising in the future.