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Following is the text of a statement made by Shri Mani Shankar Aiyar, Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas in the Lok Sabha today in response to a calling attention motion on reports of LPG shortages and steps taken by Government:-
“Public Sector Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) have reported that there is no shortage of supply of domestic LPG in the country except for some temporary shortages in certain areas of operation due to particular circumstances specific to these areas.
For example, in some parts of the State of Kerala a backlog in LPG supplies was reported owing to strike by bulk LPG transporters from 18.7.05 to 22.7.05 and thereafter strike called by all Kerala Goods Transporters Association from 31.7.2005 to 3.8.2005. However, the OMCs have reported that this backlog has been cleared and at present there is no shortfall in LPG supplies in the State.
Similarly, a backlog has been reported in Mumbai and the Districts of Solapur, Kolhapur, Sangli, Satara, Pune and Nasik in Maharashtra as these areas have been affected by heavy rain and flooding. To make up for the shortfall, OMCs are moving bulk LPG from Hazira, Jamnagar, Gandhar, Vagodia, Vijapur and Kandla to LPG bottling plants in Maharashtra. At present, the backlog in Maharashtra varies from 3 to 8 days. The situation is being closely monitored and normalcy is expected in the next 10 days.
Shortage of cooking gas with LPG distributors in Manipur has been reported on account of the economic blockade on National Highway 39 and 53 by the “All Naga Students Association of Manipur” from 19th June 2005 to afternoon of 11th August 2005. Although, this blockade has been temporarily withdrawn on the afternoon of 11.8.05, it has been reported that a bandh call has been given by “Sadar hills district demand committee of Manipur” from 16.8.05 to 21.8.05, thereby affecting the movement of LPG trucks on NH-39. On being alerted by the Chief Minister about the gravity of the situation, I have asked Chairman, IOCL to spare no efforts to ensure the supply of petroleum products including LPG to Manipur in consultation with the State Government administration. The position is also being monitored by the Ministry of Home. At present, LPG backlog in the State varies from 20 to 30 days.”
RCJ/GK/LS call attn.LPG shortage(18.8.05)
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