Centre asks States to stop oxygen supply for industrial use as COVID cases surge

New Delhi, April 18, 2021

The Union Government today wrote to all States asking them to stop supply of oxygen for industrial purposes, except in nine industries, in view of the rapid rise in COVID-19 cases in various parts of the country and the consequent high demand for medical oxygen.

In a letter to the Chief Secretaries of all States, Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla urged them to issue the necessary instructions to all authorities concerned to take necessary measures to prohibit supply of oxygen for industrial purpose, except in nine industries as stated in the letter of the Union Health & Family Welfare Secretary dated 18.04.2021.

"This is keeping in view the rapid rise in COVID-19 cases in various parts of the country and the resultant rapid demand for medical oxygen, particularly in high-burden States of Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, etc.," an official press release said.

The letter of the Union Home Secretary follows the decision taken by the Central Government today, on the recommendations of the Empowered Group-II, that the supply of oxygen for industrial purposes by manufacturers and suppliers is prohibited (except in nine industries) forthwith from 22.04.2021 till further orders, so as to augment supply for medical oxygen in the country and to save precious lives, the release added.

NNN