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LPG shortage in M.P.

Oil companies admit there was a crisis

BHOPAL: Cooking gas shortage is being felt in most areas in Madhya Pradesh for over a week following regulation of LPG supply by the petroleum distribution companies.

While the public sector oil companies denied LPG shortage, they admitted there was a crisis due to various factors, including commercial use of LPG particularly in vehicles.

A spokesman for the Bharat Petroleum said reduction in supply of LPG from Jamnagar refinery closed for repairs, higher demand in western countries affected by natural disasters and diversion of cooking gas for commercial use were the main factors for the present crisis.

Though long queues of four-wheelers were seen at select petrol pumps, where CNG supply was started recently in Bhopal, a large number of four-wheelers were using LPG as fuel. Blackmarketing of LPG up to Rs 500 per cylinder was also being reported in many localities.

A distributor said at present LPG cylinder was being delivered 2 to 5 days after booking and the second booking was being made strictly after 21 days.

This was to ensure diversion of LPG gas for vehicles and other commercial use.

Another distributor said 30 to 40 per cent reduction in supply by the oil companies led to the shortage. -- UNI

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LPG shortage in M.P.

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