No overall shortage of domestic cooking gas: govt

The government today said there is no overall shortage of domestic cooking gas (LPG) in the country and temporary backlogs will be wiped by month end.

Oil Secretary S Sundareshan reviewed LPG supply scenario with the officials of three state retailers Indian Oil Corp, Hindustan Petroleum and Bharat Petroleum yesterday, a press statement issued by his ministry said here.

The meeting was convened in view of reports about shortage of LPG cylinders in some areas.

"It was brought out that there was no over-all shortage of LPG in the country and sufficient stock of LPG was available to meet the requirements of all LPG consumers," the release said.

The present backlog was only due to some temporary factors and oil marketing companies were making all efforts to ensure availability of LPG refills to all domestic consumers.

The ministry said the entire backlog will be wiped out by month end. "All (LPG) bottling plants will function on all holidays and Sundays from today till the backlog is completely liquidated and the availability of refills becomes comfortable in all the markets."