Date:06/10/2005 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2005/10/06/stories/2005100620201400.htm

National

Diversion of domestic LPG must stop: Aiyar

NEW DELHI: Petroleum Minister Mani Shankar Aiyar on Wednesday said the illegal diversion of domestic LPG cylinders for commercial use must be stopped.

Mr. Aiyar, who has called a meeting of public sector oil companies on Thursday to discuss the LPG shortage in the country, told reporters that the commercial sector must pay the full price of LPG and its requirement could be met from domestic production. "This is not a problem. It is this illegitimate, illegal and completely unacceptable diversion of domestic LPG cylinders to commercial use that has to be stopped," he said.

The LPG requirements of the commercial sector, if necessary, could be supplemented by imports, he said. "I am aware that consumers are facing difficulty in getting LPG cylinders in some areas. This is because of black marketing and we need to check it," Mr. Aiyar said. PTI