image sourced from original article at The central government has doubled the allocation of 5 kilogram Free Trade liquefied petroleum gas cylinders to states to improve fuel access for migrant workers. The decision, communicated by the ministry of petroleum and natural gas, increases daily supplies beyond the earlier 20 percent cap, based on recent average distribution levels in early March. State governments and their food and civil supplies departments will oversee distribution with support from oil marketing companies.
The move follows a recent relaxation of norms that removed the requirement for address proof to obtain 5 kilogram cylinders. Migrant workers, students, and daily wage earners can now collect cylinders by presenting a valid identity card and a self declaration confirming their place of residence and that the fuel will be used only for cooking. The facility is strictly meant for domestic use and not for commercial purposes.
The initiative comes amid rising global energy concerns linked to the ongoing conflict in West Asia. The war, which began on February 28 with joint strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran, has disrupted energy flows after Iran restricted movement through the Strait of Hormuz, a route that carries a significant share of the world’s energy supplies. The government has assured citizens that adequate energy stocks are available and urged them to avoid panic buying.
