Centre assures Bombay HC it is acting on LPG shortage, court closes petition

The central government on Tuesday told the Bombay High Court that it is making all attempts on domestic and international fronts to address the hardship caused by the LPG shortage amid the ongoing conflict in West Asia.

The Nagpur bench of the court accepted the Centre’s submission and disposed of a petition filed by LPG distributors, noting that the government is taking “all the necessary steps in the matter to protect the interests of individuals”.

The court had on March 12 issued notices to the Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Ministry and a private firm in connection with a petition filed by six LPG distributors seeking an increased supply of domestic cooking gas cylinders amid the energy crisis caused by the Iran war.

It also directed that the storage and supply of LPG for domestic consumption shall be in accordance with the prevailing policy.

The petitioners alleged that Confidence Petroleum India Ltd, headquartered in Nagpur, had failed to increase the supply of household LPG cylinders despite the Centre’s directive prioritising domestic distribution.

The plea, filed through advocates Shyam Dewani and Sahil Dewani, stated that the war had disrupted global crude supply, leading to constraints in LPG production. Following this, the ministry had directed that LPG production and supply to domestic consumers be given priority.

Union government Under Secretary (LPG) Ramesh Krishna submitted an affidavit before the Nagpur bench, stating that the Centre is making all possible efforts domestically and internationally to ensure that no hardship is caused and that distribution and availability remain smooth.

The affidavit also stated that there are emerging changes in the international situation and that the government of India is monitoring developments while taking remedial measures to ensure that such crises at the international level do not affect the country.

“The situation under such circumstances always remains ever-evolving and it would essentially be for the central government to take steps domestically and internationally in the interest of its citizens,” the affidavit said.

It added, “By the very nature of the subject matter, it may not be desirable to discuss or debate these issues in the court proceedings.”

The Centre further stated that if there are local issues arising from dereliction of duty or breach of law by any wholesale or retail distributor, strict action is being taken and will continue to be taken by the competent authority.

“Considering the nature of the subject matter and its impact which is not confined to jurisdictions of few districts, it is desirable that the court may be pleased to leave it to the Union of India and the respective state governments to deal with the situation to the best manner in the large public interest,” the affidavit said.

The central government, along with its assurances and undertaking, requested the court to close the proceedings, including the suo motu proceedings.

Advocate Dewani told PTI that the central government had submitted an affidavit in the high court.

Solicitor General of India Tushar Mehta, appearing via video conference, informed the court that the government is making all attempts on domestic and international levels to address the hardship caused by the LPG shortage.

He said steps are being taken to ensure that the international crisis does not affect India.

Urging the court to dispose of the petition filed by LPG dealers who claimed that exports were being prioritised over domestic supply, Mehta said negotiations are being held at the diplomatic level.

“The court can consider closing this (petition) trusting the government. Individual issues can be taken up by the state government,” he said.

The bench observed, “In view of the statement made in the Centre’s affidavit, it is evident that the government is taking all the necessary steps in the matter to protect the interests of individuals. In that view of the matter, nothing survives in this petition.”

(With inputs from PTI)