State in talks with Centre to address commercial LPG supply: CM

Porvorim: Chief minister Pramod Sawant on Monday said state govt is in discussion with Union govt to make sure there is no shortage of LPG for commercial use, which will have a direct impact on the hospitality industry and the tourism industry in Goa.

Leader of opposition Yuri Alemao raised the concern. “We are already discussing with the ministry and authority concerned,” Sawant said.





Alemao, in his Zero Hour mention, said there was fear and anxiety among hoteliers, restaurant owners, caterers, canteens and catering establishments due to the order issued by the ministry of petroleum and natural gas directing oil refining companies and public sector oil marketing companies to supply LPG solely for domestic consumers.

Alemao said the reasons behind the order and the directions were understandable as households needed uninterrupted supplies of domestic LPG. “However, such an order and direction would paralyse hotels, restaurants, small eateries, canteens and caterers, as all these depend on LPG as a primary fuel. In Goa, such steps will crush the hospitality industry and also the tourism industry, affecting employment, lives and livelihoods of thousands of people and families,” Alemao said.

Alemao said the effect of restricting LPG exclusively to domestic consumers will have a pernicious effect on the entire economy of Goa.

“It is therefore submitted that govt of Goa open a dialogue with the ministry of petroleum on a most urgent basis to work out a solution wherein priority in supply of LPG is provided to domestic consumers and regulated LPG supply for the purpose of cooking is kept open for hotels, restaurants, small eateries, caterers and canteens,” Alemao added.