From The Hindu · The Hindu Bureau · · 1m 40s
Karnataka pleads for LPG connections as 36,000 applications stall
The state seeks central intervention to resume domestic LPG connections halted by global crisis, with tens of thousands of households waiting.
In brief
The state seeks central intervention to resume domestic LPG connections halted by global crisis, with tens of thousands of households waiting. Karnataka's Food and Civil Supplies Minister has asked the Union Petroleum Minister to resume new LPG connections, citing thirty six thousand pending applications and risks to…
Thirty six thousand waiting for gas
Food and Civil Supplies Minister Rizwan Arshad has urged Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri to resume new domestic LPG connections in Karnataka, citing around thirty six thousand pending applications as of August two thousand…
Global crisis halted the process
The issuance of new domestic LPG connections was halted following the global LPG crisis, leaving eligible households waiting for connections for several months, Arshad said in his letter.
Growing demand in expanding cities
Karnataka has witnessed significant population growth, urbanisation and expansion of residential settlements. Newly formed households, migrant workers, low-income families and residents of developing urban and peri-urban areas are among those affected.
Risk of indoor air pollution
Prolonged delays could compel households to depend on traditional cooking fuels such as firewood and charcoal, exposing women, children and the elderly to indoor air pollution and increasing the risk of household accidents.
Price gap forces difficult choices
The significant price difference between domestic LPG cylinders and five kilogram cylinders makes the latter difficult to afford for many middle-class and economically weaker families, Arshad warned.
Arshad seeks district-wise assessment
Arshad requested the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas to facilitate release of adequate new connections in consultation with oil marketing companies, subject to applicable guidelines and verification procedures.
The short version
Karnataka's Food and Civil Supplies Minister has asked the Union Petroleum Minister to resume new LPG connections, citing thirty six thousand pending applications and risks to households forced to use traditional fuels.
