Residents of Campbell Bay Demand Immediate Action to Resolve LPG Supply Crisis

Port Blair, India Jul 22, 2026 ALN: Residents of Campbell Bay, located on Great Island, have recently voiced their growing frustration over a significant disruption in the supply of domestic Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) cylinders that has persisted for an alarming three months. This situation has become increasingly untenable, prompting local elected representatives from the Panchayati Raj Institution (PRI) to issue a stern warning that they will resort to protests if the issue is not addressed promptly. The ongoing LPG supply crisis has not only affected the daily lives of residents but has also raised broader questions regarding the efficiency and reliability of essential service delivery in remote areas.

In a joint letter addressed to the Chief Secretary of the local administration, the PRI representatives have called for urgent action to restore the regular supply of LPG cylinders to the residents of Great Island. Mr. G. Venkat Rao, the Pradhan of Govind Nagar Gram Panchayat, has taken a proactive stance by scheduling a meeting with relevant authorities to discuss the matter. However, he has made it clear that regardless of the meeting's outcome, peaceful protests are planned for July 24, 2026, to highlight the hardships faced by the community due to the ongoing LPG supply crisis. This planned protest underscores the urgency of the situation and the residents' determination to seek a resolution.

The letter, which has been signed by multiple local leaders, indicates that residents have not received LPG cylinders for three months, despite repeated complaints to the authorities. The representatives emphasized that LPG is a vital household necessity for cooking and heating, and the disruption has forced families to seek alternative cooking methods. This has not only led to increased financial burdens as they are compelled to purchase alternative fuels but has also raised safety concerns associated with using unregulated and potentially hazardous cooking methods.

Moreover, the PRI representatives pointed out that this issue is not isolated but reflects a recurring problem in the transportation and distribution of LPG cylinders to Great Island. They noted that frequent interruptions in the supply chain have become commonplace, severely impacting residents' daily lives. The residents have expressed their frustration over the lack of transparency and communication from the authorities regarding the reasons for these disruptions, which have left them feeling neglected and undervalued.

The letter further states that despite numerous complaints and requests made to the authorities over the past months, no effective measures have been taken to restore regular supplies. This inaction has led to growing public resentment and frustration among the residents, who feel that their voices are not being heard. The absence of a reliable supply of LPG has forced many families to revert to traditional cooking methods, which are often less efficient and more time-consuming, further exacerbating the challenges they face.

Highlighting the role of the Directorate of Shipping Services, the letter mentions that two years ago, TCI ship services ensured the regular transportation of essential commodities, including LPG cylinders, to Campbell Bay. However, the withdrawal of TCI services has resulted in irregular transportation, with LPG cylinders reportedly arriving only after significant delays. This situation has created artificial shortages, inflated prices of essential goods, and caused severe hardship for the community. The lack of a consistent supply chain has made it difficult for residents to plan their daily activities, leading to increased stress and anxiety.

The PRI representatives expressed concern over the current arrangements, stating that despite the availability of public funds, the Directorate of Shipping Services has failed to maintain adequate transport arrangements, relying instead on private ships for essential commodity transport. This has raised serious questions regarding planning, accountability, and prioritization of public welfare. The reliance on private shipping services, which may not prioritize the timely delivery of essential goods, has further complicated the issue, leaving residents in a precarious situation.

In their appeal for immediate action, the representatives have urged the Chief Secretary to direct the relevant department and LPG distributor to restore uninterrupted LPG supply, conduct an inquiry into the reasons for the prolonged disruption, hold responsible parties accountable, ensure the timely transportation and distribution of adequate LPG stocks, and establish a monitoring mechanism to prevent future disruptions. This call to action reflects the residents' demand for accountability and a commitment to improving the reliability of essential services in their community.

As public patience wears thin, the representatives warned that if the LPG supply is not restored within the next week, residents will have no choice but to organize peaceful protests and mass agitation to draw attention to their plight. They cautioned that any further delays could adversely affect public order and inconvenience the general public, urging the Administration to intervene before the situation escalates. The threat of protests highlights the potential for civil unrest in response to unmet basic needs, which could have wider implications for governance and community relations in the region.

The representation has been jointly signed by key local leaders, including the Panchayat Samiti Pramukh, Up-Pramukh of Panchayat Samiti Campbell Bay, and several Zilla Parishad members, reflecting a united front among elected PRI representatives regarding the ongoing LPG crisis in Great Island. This collective action demonstrates the seriousness of the situation and the commitment of local leaders to advocate for their constituents. As the community awaits further developments, the outcome of the planned meeting with authorities and any subsequent actions taken will be closely monitored by residents and observers alike.

The LPG supply crisis in Campbell Bay is not just a localized issue; it is indicative of broader challenges faced by remote communities in accessing essential services. The situation raises important questions about infrastructure, governance, and the prioritization of public welfare in areas that are often overlooked. As the residents of Great Island continue to navigate this crisis, their experiences may serve as a valuable case study for policymakers and stakeholders seeking to improve service delivery and community resilience in similar contexts.