As Iran war fuels LPG crisis, PM Modi holds review meeting with Union Ministers
Prime Minister Narendra Modi Tuesday met External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri to review India’s oil and gas situation as the Iran war entered the 11th day, causing massive disruptions in the global supply chain of energy commodities.
On Tuesday, the government set in motion a slew of measures to ensure that consumers do not face the brunt. This included invoking the Essential Commodities Act to regulate supply of natural gas amid concerns over potential shortages.
The notification outlines a priority framework for natural gas supply across sectors to ensure availability for critical uses during supply disruptions.
Under the order, the government has prioritised domestic households by ensuring 100 per cent supply, while directing oil marketing companies to ensure 80 per cent supply to tea industries, manufacturing units and other industries.
According to government sources, there is no shortage of gas and oil as of now, and invoking the Essential Commodities Act is a supply-management step aimed at keeping a check on hoarding and black marketing.
But reports of shortage of commercial LPG have poured in from states including Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.
On Monday, some restaurant and hotel associations raised concerns on social media about a lack of commercial LPG. In a letter, the Chennai Hotels Association wrote to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking uninterrupted supply of commercial LPG. The letter stated that “commercial LPG has been temporarily suspended due to the shortage, for usage in restaurants and food industries.”