Mumbai Government Mobilizes Police for LPG Security Amid Crisis
Mumbai: Chhagan Bhujbal, the Food and Civil Supplies Minister, revealed on Monday that the state government has sanctioned police protection for the transportation and distribution of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).
This measure aims to combat the surging black market activities stemming from an acute shortage linked to the ongoing conflict in West Asia. Several restaurants in Thane have shut down due to the shortage of commercial LPG cylinders.
To date, the government has initiated 23 legal cases and apprehended 18 individuals for alleged involvement in LPG black marketing, Bhujbal confirmed, emphasizing the potential inclusion of kerosene as a substitute fuel.
In parallel, restaurateurs enduring the brunt of disrupted commercial LPG and piped natural gas (PNG) supplies convened with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis at the state legislature, urgently seeking relief measures.
“We articulated the challenges afflicting the restaurant sector, underscoring that numerous establishments have either drastically downsized operations or ceased them altogether,” stated Vijay K. Shetty, President of the Indian Hotel & Restaurant Association (AHAR).
During the legislative session, Bhujbal reassured that oil companies possess adequate LPG reserves, asserting that distribution processes remain unimpeded.
“Production of LPG at refineries has escalated from 9,000 metric tonnes to 11,000 metric tonnes. We urge citizens to remain calm regarding the LPG supply,” he remarked.
While the state government administers the distribution of LPG cylinders, Bhujbal clarified that the central government retains authority over the supply and pricing of petroleum products nationwide, including Maharashtra, following recent price hikes.
“The provision of police protection for LPG transportation and distribution is critical in thwarting supply chain disruptions and mitigating black market activities,” he stated.
The state’s enforcement division has conducted 2,129 inspections thus far, leading to the filing of 23 cases and the arrest of 18 individuals connected to LPG black marketing. On March 8, district collectors and regional offices were directed to establish vigilance squads at the local level to address this illicit activity, he noted.
Furthermore, Bhujbal disclosed that the state government is contemplating the distribution of kerosene as an alternative to LPG, a development communicated to the Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court on March 11.
On a related note, Bhujbal indicated that the escalation in edible oil prices, by ₹4-6, can also be attributed to the geopolitical tensions in West Asia. He added that priority in commercial LPG supply will be accorded to hospitals, educational institutions, crematoriums, old-age homes, and orphanages.
Meeting with Restaurateurs
On Monday, representatives from AHAR dedicated nearly half the day at the Vidhan Bhavan, conversing with Chief Minister Fadnavis, Minister Bhujbal, Minister of Women and Child Development Aditi Tatkare, and Speaker Rahul Narvekar.
The disruption in commercial LPG supply, now persisting for nine days, has severely impacted restaurant revenues, particularly affecting smaller establishments that lack sufficient capital to weather the storm, as reported by AHAR representatives to governmental officials.
“We have been assured that the state government will engage with oil marketing companies and the Union Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas regarding our concerns on Tuesday,” expressed AHAR President Shetty to the Hindustan Times.
The ongoing shortage has compelled restaurants to reduce their menu offerings and place smaller orders for essential ingredients, particularly perishables, according to a manager from a Bandra-based restaurant and bar.
“We also strive to promote dry items as much as possible,” the manager elaborated.
An anonymous AHAR representative warned that unless restrictions on commercial LPG and PNG supplies are lifted, permit rooms and bars may encounter significant challenges moving forward.
“At present, many permit rooms and bars are resorting to serving dry snacks—typically deep-fried items sourced from snack vendors—who have equally curtailed their operations in response to the LPG cylinder shortage,” the representative concluded.
Source link: Hindustantimes.com.
