Steps being taken to handle LPG crisis, trust the government: Centre to Bombay High Court

The Central government informed the Nagpur Bench of Bombay High Court on Tuesday that it is taking remedial measures to deal with the Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) crisis so that the shortage at the international level due to the Iran-Israel war does not affect supply in India [Omkar Sales and Ors v. Union of India and Ors]..Government's second senior most law officer, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, told a Bench of Justices Anil S Kilor and Raj D Wakode that negotiations are being held and the government is doing its best.He also clarified that the steps being taken at the international level are deliberately not being spelt out.Therefore, he urged the Court to close the petition filed by LPG dealers who claimed that exports were being prioritised over domestic supply amidst shortage because of Iran-Israel war."There are negotiations at diplomatic level. So, we are doing our best. The Court can consider closing this, trusting the government. Individual issues, the State government must take up," SG Mehta said.The Court took into account the government's submissions and closed the petition..The petition was filed by LPG dealers alleging that exports are being prioritised over domestic supply amid an acute shortage.The dealers said supplies in Maharashtra’s Vidarbha region were disrupted due to the Middle East conflict.They accused CPIL of diverting LPG for exports despite hardship to local consumers.On March 12, the Bench issued notice to the Union government and Confidence Petroleum India Ltd (CPIL) and sought their responses. The Court also termed the issue as “serious" during the hearing on March 12..Pursuant to the notice, the Central government filed an affidavit which stated that the situation remains 'ever evolving" and it is for the government to take steps in the interest of the citizens. "By the very nature of the subject matter, it may not be desirable to discuss or debate these issues in court proceedings. Considering the nature of subject matter and its impact, which is not confined to jurisdiction of few districts, the court may be pleased it to leave it to the Central and State governments to deal with the situation in the best possible manner in larger public interest," the affidavit underscored. .When the matter was heard today, SG Mehta also told the Court that authorities are taking strict action when any local issue arises due to individual dereliction of duty or breach of law by any wholesale or retail distributor..The Court then proceeded to close the case..Follow Bar and Bench channel on WhatsAppDownload the Bar and Bench Mobile app for instant access to the latest legal news.