Standing Comm on Petroleum calls for increase LPG supply to States

New Delhi, Apr 23 (UNI) The Standing Committee on Petroleum and Natural Gas today advised the Government to release more LPG connections and strengthen the distribution network in the rural and remote areas of the country in order to provide cleaner fuel at an affordable price.

The Committee added that the government takes steps to increase LPG supply to the states, which are facing LPG shortage through enhanced production/import.

The Committee in its 20th report presented today in the Lok Sabha asked the concerned Ministry to assess the situation in these areas and release more LPG connections and strengthen the distribution network.

The Government had admitted that there was backlog in LPG supplies in certain states which was caused by reduction in supply of bulk LPG by the Reliance Industries Ltd and Essar Oil Ltd in January and February this year, delay in movement of bulk LPG by rail from Jamnagar to the Northern Region, increased demand in the states due to severe cold, strikes by the contract labour, and agitations.

It has recommended that the oil marketing companies maintain a permanent reserve/stock of LPG, especially for the winter months, to effectively deal with this sort of crisis situations.

The Committee headed by a Member of Parliament Dr N Janardhana said the people, especially living in rural and remote areas are facing difficulties in getting new LPG connections and refills.

It has also said the OMCs strengthen their delivery mechanism so as to reduce the gap between the booking and delivery of cylinders to two days in all eligible cases.

UNI RT/SBA PBB PM1919