Mumbai: Due to the shortage of LPG cylinders in many parts of Maharashtra, the state government has introduced new rules for gas distribution. The Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Protection Department released these guidelines on 13 March to make sure important services do not face problems because of the gas shortage.
According to the new rules, some essential places will get full (100%) LPG supply. These include hospitals, schools, government and aided ashram schools, hostels, anganwadis, mid-day meal kitchens, crematoriums, old-age homes and orphanages. Gas agencies have been told to supply cylinders to these places first and send a daily report to the authorities.
Some sectors will receive about 70% gas supply. This includes restaurants, defence services, government and public sector offices, railways, air transport, police departments and prisons. This step is taken so that their work can continue without major trouble.
Other sectors such as state transport services, medicine companies, seed processing units and fish farming activities will get around 50% LPG supply.
In recent days, many cities in the state have seen long queues of people waiting for gas cylinders. To stop hoarding and black marketing, the supply department has also started surprise inspections at several places. The government believes the new rules will help manage the shortage and ensure that essential services continue without disruption.