The Petroleum Ministry has increased the daily allocation of 5-kg Free Trade LPG (FTL) cylinders for migrant labourers, doubling supply to ease pressure caused by the ongoing fuel crunch linked to West Asia tensions.
The move, announced on Monday, is based on the average daily distribution recorded on March 2 and 3, according to an official order issued by the ministry.
āIt is conveyed that the daily quantity of 5-kg FTL cylinder in each state available for disbursal to migrant labourers is being doubledā¦ beyond the limit of 20%,ā the order stated.
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The smaller cylinders will be distributed under the supervision of state governments or their Food and Civil Supplies Departments, with logistical support from public sector oil marketing companies. The supply is meant exclusively for migrant workers, who have been among the worst affected by the recent LPG strain.
Supply push after migrant distress reports
The decision comes after reports were received about migrants returning to their villages due to the shortage and increase in the cost of LPG cylinders that adversely affected their everyday routine. Various sectors that required access to cheap fuel such as small restaurants, labor colonies, and makeshift kitchens have been hit hard due to this problem.
Previously, in an order issued on March 21, the government had also increased the commercial supply of LPG from 30% to 50%, giving priority to various sectors such as restaurants, hotels, industry kitchens, food processing industries, community kitchens, and 5 kg cylinders to migrant workers.
This figure was increased to 70% on March 27 by providing further priority to certain industries like textile and chemical industries.
West Asia tensions behind supply strain
The pressure from the supply side is believed to be attributed to interference in energy supply lines all across the globe especially those involving the Strait of Hormuz. The problem further increased as rising costs of inputs and logistical constraints affected domestic supplies of LPG.
As per government estimates, around 6.75 lakh 5 kg cylinders of FTLs have been distributed since March 23, thereby reflecting a spike in demand from marginalised communities.
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However, despite all these issues, the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas stated on April 6 that the process of supplying LPG for migrant laborers is proceeding without any hitch. The states have been asked to take appropriate measures considering their individual requirements in consultation with oil marketing firms.
The latest step is aimed at stabilising access to cooking fuel for migrant labourers while broader supply conditions remain under pressure.
