Regarding Need to ensure supply of petroleum products in Lakshadweep-Laid

Regarding Need to ensure supply of petroleum products in Lakshadweep-Laid SHRI HAMDULLAH SAYEED (LAKSHADWEEP): I wish to draw the attention of the Government to the acute shortage of petroleum products in the Union Territory of Lakshadweep, which has gravely disrupted daily life and essential services across the islands. The crisis has arisen due to the non-availability of the oil tanker MT Thilakkam, the primary vessel entrusted with transporting petroleum products to Lakshadweep. The tanker is currently undergoing maintenance and docking at Cochin Shipyard Limited. However, the prolonged nature of this maintenance and the failure to arrange any alternative supply mechanism have resulted in a serious breakdown of regular fuel supply. Lakshadweep, being a remote island territory, is entirely dependent on sea transport for petroleum supplies. The present shortage has severely affected domestic consumption, electricity generation, fishing operations, public transportation, and other critical services, causing immense hardship to the island population. I urge the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas to immediately direct Indian Oil Corporation Limited to arrange alternative vessels or emergency supply routes to bridge this gap. I also request the Ministry concerned to ensure the expeditious completion of maintenance work on MT Thilakkam. Urgent and decisive intervention by the Union Government is imperative in the larger public interest of Lakshadweep.