Oil companies have assured the public that there is no need to worry about LPG cylinder supply, despite an ongoing strike by bulk LPG transporters in the Southern region. The companies—Indian Oil Corporation (IOCL), Bharat Petroleum (BPCL), and Hindustan Petroleum (HPCL)—said they have enough LPG stock at their plants and that gas distribution will continue as usual.
The strike is being led by the Southern Region Bulk LPG Transport Owners Association. It comes after a new transportation tender was issued. This tender was created with input from transporters across the country, through meetings held in cities like Chennai, Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Guwahati. The oil companies say they considered all concerns and suggestions made by transporters before finalizing the tender.
The terms of the new contract follow government and safety guidelines from agencies such as PESO, PNGRB, and OISD. These rules aim to make LPG transportation safer and more efficient. However, some transporters are unhappy with certain clauses, especially those that impose penalties for breaking safety rules. They are demanding that these clauses be removed.
The oil companies say that these safety rules are important to protect everyone—tanker owners, drivers, and the public. They are asking transporters to act responsibly and end the strike, so that people do not face problems getting cooking gas.
Talks are ongoing between the oil companies and the major transporters to find a solution. The companies have promised to keep the supply of domestic and commercial LPG smooth and steady. They are asking customers to stay calm and not to worry, as all necessary steps are being taken to avoid any disruptions.
— Issued by the State Level Coordinator for Oil Industry – Telangana.
