Govt Lists Out Measures To Ensure Uninterrupted Fuel, Gas Supply & Industrial Continuity

New Delhi, Apr 23 (KNN) The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has introduced a series of regulatory measures to ensure uninterrupted supply of fuel, gas, and key raw materials across sectors.

Speaking at an inter-ministerial briefing, on Wednesday, DPIIT Joint Secretary Nidhi Kesarwani said, "Under Petroleum and Explosive Safety Organisation (PESO), multiple activities and facilitated orders have been issued which are oriented towards uninterrupted supply of fuel and gas."

Faster Clearances and Supply Support

The government has prioritised gas infrastructure, processing 467 applications for Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Compressed Biogas (CBG) since late March, with approval timelines reduced to under 10 days. This has led to 157 final licences and 38 prior approvals.

Kesarwani highlighted that temporary storage relaxations have been granted, allowing storage of up to 2,500 litres of superior kerosene oil. Additionally, a one-time relaxation of up to 5,000 litres for PDS kerosene has been provided to ensure last-mile supply continuity.

“The domestic availability of ammonium nitrate has been secured by imposing a ban on exports in the month of March," she added.

Relief for Manufacturing Sector

Under the Boilers Act, high-capacity boilers in power plants, refineries, and fertiliser units have received a three-month extension on certification, subject to inspections. Timelines for Quality Control Orders (QCO) on induction cooktops have also been extended.

Basic Customs Duty (BCD) has been reduced to zero on key inputs such as EVA and polymers for sectors like leather, footwear, and tyres. In the paint industry, industrial LPG allocation has been raised to 70 per cent of pre-March levels.

For energy-intensive sectors, gas supply support has been enhanced. The glass industry will receive PNG at 80 per cent of its average consumption, while supply and pricing issues in Morbi’s ceramic cluster have been addressed.

(KNN Bureau)