Regarding the LPG crisis in the country, the Central Government has instructed the states to keep an eye on the supply and stop black marketing. The government says that there is no shortage of domestic gas, but there is a crisis of commercial cylinders. The opposition created a ruckus in Parliament on this issue.
New Delhi: The Central Government has issued several instructions to the states to deal with the LPG crisis in the country. The Center has asked the Chief Secretaries of all states and union territories to keep an eye on LPG supply. Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan has directed to ensure that there is no black marketing or hoarding of gas anywhere. He also said that law and order should be maintained during the sale and distribution of cylinders.
These instructions were given in a virtual meeting held at 3 pm today. In the meeting, the Home Secretary warned that the shortage of LPG could increase due to black marketing and hoarding. In the meeting, steps were also taken to stop rumors related to fuel shortage. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also said that there is no need to panic about the LPG crisis. He appealed to the people not to pay attention to rumours.
There is no crisis: Central Government
The Central Government has clarified in a press conference that there is no crisis in the supply of domestic LPG in the country. The Petroleum Ministry said that necessary steps have been taken to avoid LPG shortage and the cylinders will reach homes within two and a half days of booking. While raising this issue in Parliament, the opposition alleged that this crisis has arisen due to the failure of the central government.
The government says that there is no need to worry about domestic LPG supply and all necessary arrangements have been made. People do not need to book in panic. At present, LPG production has increased by 25 percent. The ministry also informed that two cargo ships of LNG will reach India soon. The government has also confirmed that after booking one cylinder, the time limit for booking the next cylinder has been increased from 21 days to 25 days.
However, the crisis regarding commercial cylinders still persists. Long queues of people arriving with empty cylinders are being seen at many gas distribution centers in North India. Many hotels have reduced the number of dishes in their menu. Several MPs, including MPs P. Santosh Kumar and Shafi Parambil, gave notices in both houses of Parliament today to discuss the issue. Many leaders including Priyanka Gandhi staged a protest outside the Parliament.