Amidst the shortage of LPG cylinders in the country, the government has taken a big decision. The central government has announced a 20% increase in the supply of commercial LPG cylinders in the country. This decision of the government will provide a little but a lot of relief to hotel, restaurant and dhaba operators across the country. According to information provided by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, the government has approved 20 percent additional commercial LPG for restaurants, concession canteens and migrant workers (5 kg FTL) for the states. After this latest approval, the total allocation of commercial LPG has now reached 50 percent.
Approval was given to increase supply by 10% on March 18.
According to the information given by the ministry, the government has already restored partial supply (20%) of commercial LPG to consumers. Further, the Government vide letter dated March 18 has proposed to allocate additional 10% share of commercial LPG to States/UTs. This allocation will be based on ‘Ease of Doing Business’ reforms for PNG expansion. The government, vide letter dated March 21, has allowed states to allocate 20% more share of commercial LPG. This will increase the total allocation to 50%. This also includes a 10% allocation based on ‘Ease of Doing Business’ reforms for PNG expansion.
Cylinders will be given on priority basis
The ministry said that this additional 20% allocation will be given to those areas on priority basis. These include restaurants, dhabas, hotels, industrial canteens, food processing/dairies, concession canteens/outlets run by state government or local bodies, community kitchens and 5 kg FTL cylinders for migrant labourers. 20 States and Union Territories have issued orders to allot commercial LPG as per the guidelines issued by the Government of India. For the remaining states and union territories, government oil companies are issuing commercial LPG cylinders.
Educational institutions and hospitals priority
The ministry said that priority has been given to educational institutions and hospitals and about 50% of the total allocation of commercial LPG is being given to these sectors.