Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Minister of Food and Civil Supplies GR Anil has called a high-level meeting in view of the worsening crisis in availability of LPG cylinders.
He said that steps will be taken to overcome the crisis. Cylinders will be distributed on a priority basis. The minister said that it was also decided to write a letter to the central government in this regard.
Since Kerala is a consumer state, the letter will also request the Centre to resolve the LPG crisis in industrial establishments. Cylinders for domestic use will be made available on priority.
The Minister added that action will be taken against hoarding under the guise of regulations. A team consisting of officials from the Revenue and Civil Supplies departments will conduct inspections and action will be taken if any discrepancies is detected.
Meanwhile, in view of the shortage of petroleum products, the Central government has invoked the Essential Commodities Act (1995). This measure applies to petroleum and natural gas. The LPG shortage will also affect the domestic and commercial sectors in Kerala.
There are also reports about LPG shortage hitting restaurants and hotels in metro cities of Chennai, Delhi and Bengaluru.