In view of the increasing demand and pressure on supply of LPG in the country, the Central Government has taken a big step. Now states have been instructed to approve new applications related to laying pipeline (PNG) within 24 hours. The government wants more and more people to use pipeline gas instead of LPG cylinders, so that the pressure on domestic gas can be reduced.
The government has written a letter to all the states saying that all the old pending cases related to the pipeline should be settled immediately. Also, new files should be approved without delay. To make this process easier, it has also been advised to waive the road restoration charge (fee for filling after digging the road). Apart from this, it has been asked to appoint a nodal officer in every state, so that there is coordination in the work and there is no delay.
LPG supply status
The Petroleum Ministry told in a press conference that the availability of crude oil in the country is normal and there is no shortage of petrol and diesel. The situation of LPG is definitely under some pressure, but till now there has not been a situation of complete shortage of gas in any distributor. Gas supply to domestic consumers continues as before.
Strictness also continues
The government said that continuous raids are being conducted across the country to stop black marketing of gas. About 600 cylinders have been seized in Delhi. 10 people were arrested during hundreds of investigations and raids in Uttar Pradesh. Large scale action has also been taken in states like Jammu and Kashmir, Kerala and Madhya Pradesh, where thousands of cylinders have been seized. Teams of oil marketing companies are also continuously inspecting.
Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, said that the inspection teams have so far conducted a total of 12,000 raids and seized 15,000 cylinders. He appealed to the people to avoid making panic booking for LPG and choose the option of online booking.
Commercial LPG and alternatives
Many states have issued new orders to ensure smooth supply of commercial gas. A high level committee is reviewing the problems related to this supply. Besides, to reduce the pressure on LPG, the use of alternatives like kerosene and coal is also being increased. States like Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Kerala, Manipur, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka etc. have issued orders for kerosene allocation.
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