Government dealing with LPG situation created by West Asia crisis: Union Minister
New Delhi, March 16
Union Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas Suresh Gopi has said that the government is making all efforts to ensure that global energy supply constraints do not affect the common man.
He said opposition parties, who have been slamming the government, should give positive suggestions and join hands with the administration in providing relief to people.
The minister said there is no critical issue of LPG. "We are also finding alternative means. Why is the opposition not thinking about enthusing whichever party has the upper hand in such states? They should talk to the contingent who is looking after the food care of the people. They can propose alternative methods...We are trying to overcome that criticality in the situation due to a West Asian issue. You know how the Hormuz is favouring us. Let us wait to see fruitful results," Suresh Gopi told reporters.
The government has said that LPG supply continues to be monitored in view of the prevailing geopolitical situation, and domestic LPG production has increased by 36 per cent.
Online LPG cylinder bookings have increased from about 84% to around 90%, officials said.
They said state Governments undertaking enforcement measures to prevent hoarding and black marketing.
LPG Carrier Shivalik has reached India today and Nanda Devi is expected to reach tomorrow morning.
Officials said that around 2,20,000 passengers returned from the West Asia and Gulf region to India since February 28. The Embassy of India in Tehran remains fully operational.
— ANI
Reader Comments
While the efforts are noted, the minister's statement asking the opposition to "give positive suggestions" feels a bit dismissive. In a democracy, constructive criticism is also a form of positive suggestion. The focus should be on ensuring no household, especially in rural areas, faces a cylinder shortage.
Monitoring the situation is key. The geopolitical tensions in West Asia are beyond India's direct control, so having contingency plans and alternative supply routes is sensible. The data on online bookings increasing is a good sign of system efficiency.
My mother was worried about cylinder refill last week. This news is reassuring. Hope the enforcement against hoarding is strict. Black marketers take advantage of such crises and hurt the common man the most. Jai Hind!
The mention of Hormuz is crucial. A major chunk of our oil and gas comes through that strait. If the situation is favoring us, that's a big diplomatic win. Kudos to the officials and the embassy in Tehran for working round the clock.
Positive steps, but the proof will be in the delivery. No critical issue is good to hear, but we need to see it on the ground. Also, great work bringing back so many citizens from the conflict zone. That must be the top priority.
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