Covid: Govt asks states to prohibit supply of oxygen for industrial use

Union Health Secretary says the demand for oxygen has already reached 60 per cent of total daily production and is expected to rise further

Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla on Sunday wrote to Chief Secretaries of all states, asking them to prohibit oxygen supply for industrial use, except the specified exempted industries, amid reports of acute shortages in hospitals.

As India reports massive spikes day after day during the second wave, hospitals and health systems are increasingly coming under pressure and many states are reporting shortages in medical infrastructure, particulary oxygen. 

"Keeping in view the rapid surge in cases especially in high-burden states, empowered group has recommended to prohibit the supply of oxygen for industrial purposes with the exception of nine specified industries from