Government invokes Essential Commodities Act, 1955

The government has invoked the Essential Commodities Act, 1955 to prioritise the supply of natural gas. In this regard, it recently issued a natural gas control order and a liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) control order. As per the orders, supply to domestic piped natural gas, compressed natural gas (CNG) for vehicles, LPG production (LPG shrinkage requirements), pipeline compressor fuel and other essential pipeline operational requirements will remain at 100 per cent with no cuts. Meanwhile, fertiliser plants will receive up to 70 per cent of their past six-month average gas consumption. The supply to tea industries, manufacturing and other industrial consumers will be at 80 per cent of the previous six-month average gas consumption. CGD companies have been directed to ensure 80 per cent supply to industrial and commercial consumers. All refineries have been directed to maximise LPG yields and channel the entire output of C3 and C4 hydrocarbon streams, comprising propane, butane, propylene and butenes, to the three oil marketing companies for domestic cooking gas supply.