After representations from the AP Congress to the Central government and Chief Minister directly meeting with the Prime Minister, the PMO yesterday directed the Union Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas to restore supply of 2 Million Metric Standard Cubic Metres per Day of gas to Andhra Pradesh.

The controversy began when a plan to divert this gas to Ratnagiri power and fertilizer project in Maharashtra came to light. The PMO intervened and directed that the order of of August 1 to cut the gas supply from K-G basin to AP be withdrawn. Chief Minister Kiran Kumar Reddy thanked the Prime Minister and the UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi for the move.  When the Petroleum Ministry’s order based on a recommendation of the Centre’s Empowered Group of Ministers came to light, it was strongely criticised by the Opposition and and even some leaders of the the ruling party joined voice to protect the interests of the State.