PANAJI
The State government has directed Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) operating in Goa to arrange and supply up to 60 per cent of commercial LPG to establishments, following revised allocation guidelines issued by the Centre amid ongoing geopolitical developments.
In an order issued by Secretary (Civil Supplies) Sanjiv Gadkar, it was stated that the directive follows phased restrictions imposed by the Union Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas on commercial LPG supply. As per the Centre’s communication earlier in March, supply was first capped at 20 per cent, with an additional 20 per cent each later allowed for hotels and restaurants, and for industrial use.
Taking these allocations into account, the State government has now instructed OMCs to ensure that 60 per cent of commercial LPG is supplied to eligible commercial establishments in Goa, in line with the Centre’s guidelines.
The order states that the directive must be implemented with immediate effect and strictly followed by all concerned agencies.
Oil marketing companies such as Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL), and IndianOil Adani Gas Pvt Ltd have been asked to ensure supply.
On March 21, the Centre approved an additional 20 per cent allocation of commercial LPG for states and union territories, specifically for restaurants, dhabas, hotels, industrial canteens, food processing and dairy sectors, subsidised canteens run by state governments and local bodies, and community kitchens. These sectors were among the worst affected.
The additional allocation will also cover refills of 5-kg cylinders for migrant labourers. Moreover, the government has made it mandatory for commercial and industrial LPG users to register with public sector fuel retailers and apply for a piped natural gas (PNG) connection to be eligible for commercial LPG.
