The Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court has issued notices to the Union Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas and the Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) over a petition highlighting shortages of domestic LPG cylinders. The court was hearing a plea filed by six LPG distributors seeking urgent steps to ensure adequate supply of cooking gas for households.
Background of the Case
The petitioners approached the High Court claiming that domestic LPG supply has been affected due to global disruptions linked to the Israel–Iran conflict. Represented by advocate Shyam D. Dewani, the distributors argued that the government must strictly enforce provisions under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955 to maintain adequate availability of LPG for household use.
They also urged authorities to ensure that LPG produced within the country is first allocated for domestic distribution before meeting export commitments during the current supply crisis.
According to the petition, representations submitted to the authorities requesting suspension of LPG exports had not resulted in any action.
A division bench of Justices Anil S. Kilor and Raj D. Wakode observed that the matter raised serious concerns regarding public supply of essential cooking fuel.
“The issue involved in the present writ petition is of a serious nature and of grave importance,” the bench noted while directing the concerned authorities to file their responses before the next hearing.
The court also recorded that disruptions in global energy supply chains and rising crude oil prices were affecting petroleum product availability worldwide.
Pending further consideration, the High Court directed that existing government policies prioritising domestic LPG supply must be strictly followed.
The bench stated,
“The respondents, and more specifically Confidence Petroleum India Ltd, shall ensure that storage and supply of LPG for domestic consumption is in accordance with the prevailing policy of the Union Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.”
The matter has been listed for the next hearing on March 17.
