Petroleum secretary RS Pandey has issued a direction to oil marketing companies not to put any restriction on registration and release of new LPG connections. Similarly, he directed for a provision for buying 15 lakh new LPG cylinders to meet the challenge of any potential shortage. His measures perhaps have something to do with volatile costs of crude oil in world market.

 

This 1972-batch IAS officer from Nagaland cadre taking cognizance of the issue of shortage of gas cylinders, soon after the appointment as petroleum secretary asked IOC to purchase 10 lakh new cylinders and the Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited to buy 5 lakh cylinders to overcome any shortages. Also, he met petroleum minister Murli Deora and discussed the issue.

 

Earlier, Sarthak Behuria, CMD of Indian Oil Corporation some days ago had said that restrictions had been placed on the release of new LPG cylinders and the waiting list had climbed to almost two lakh in the last two months. After becoming petroleum secretary Mr Pandey directed Mr. Behuria to ensure smooth and easy availability of LPG connections across the country on priority basis.