Govt Raises Commercial LPG Supply to 70 Pc of Pre-War Demand
Oil Secretary Neeraj Mittal directed that the additional supply be prioritised for labour-intensive industries such as steel, automobiles, textiles, dyes, chemicals, and plastics, which support other essential sectors
New Delhi: The government on Friday announced an additional 20 per cent commercial LPG allocation, taking the total to 70 per cent of pre-crisis levels for non-domestic use in the country. Besides, it is, however, expected to meet industrial requirements, including steel, automobiles and other sectors in the country.
In a letter to all state chief secretaries, oil secretary Neeraj Mittal directed that the additional supply be prioritised for labour-intensive industries such as steel, automobiles, textiles, dyes, chemicals, and plastics, which support other essential sectors.
“In addition to the existing 50 per cent allocation, an additional 20 per cent is now proposed, that would bring the total commercial LPG allocation to 70 per cent of the pre-crisis level of the packed non-domestic LPG,” he wrote.
Announcing the decision on social media, Union minister for petroleum and natural gas Hardeep Singh Puri said that while many countries have adopted strict fuel conservation measures, India continues to remain an oasis of energy security, availability and affordability.
On last Saturday, the government had allowed an additional 20 per cent allocation of commercial liquefied petroleum gas to states and Union Territories, taking the overall allocation to 50 per cent. Of the total amount, 10 per cent was to be allocated, subject to states undertaking measures to facilitate the expansion of the piped natural gas network.
Energy supplies to India have been disrupted since the conflict in West Asia broke out on February 28. Since the hostilities began, Iran has blocked the Strait of Hormuz – through which about 20 percent of global petroleum liquids consumption passes – for most commercial ships.
