Gujarat pharma companies fear low LPG supply could impact life-saving drugs

AHMEDABAD: Several pharmaceutical companies, concerned over unavailability of LPG affecting production of live-saving medicines, have urged the Gujarat govt to step in and ensure an uninterrupted supply of gas cylinders, warning that shortages could affect supplies to hospitals. Pathik Patwari, chairman of the Gujarat chapter of Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) has written to the state govt saying that several drug manufacturers are facing irregular supply of industrial LPG cylinders, which are crucial for sealing ampoules used in injectable medicines. The industry body said that some companies are left stock to cover only a few more days of operations.

The medicines whose production could be affected are widely used in hospitals and healthcare facilities for the treatment of malaria, falciparum, metabolic acidosis, and nausea and vomiting, especially after surgery or chemotherapy.




According to ICC, manufacturers require at least 10 industrial LPG cylinders of 19kg each every month for regular production. These cylinders are used with oxygen to generate a high-temperature flame needed to hermetically seal single-dose glass ampoules after filling, a process essential to maintaining sterility and product integrity.

"Any prolonged disruption in LPG cylinder availability can directly impact the production of medicines. If we will not get LPG cylinders, we will have to stop production of some critical medicines from Saturday," said a director of a pharma company, requesting anonymity.

Patwari said that during the pandemic, manufacturers of essential medicines were given priority access to industrial gases to prevent shortages of critical drugs. He said a similar approach is needed now too to protect the supply chain for life-saving drugs.


25-day wait to book 2nd cylinder

While maintaining that Gujarat has adequate stocks of LPG and PNG (piped natural gas) and that a panel has been formed to coordinate with the Centre to ensure uninterrupted supply and distribution, the state govt said a 25-day gap gas between booking two LPG cylinders by the same consumer is in place. Hospitals and educational institutions will get cylinders as per their requirement.