A crucial meeting was held in Surat to ensure uninterrupted gas supply to industries and easy availability of gas cylinders for workers. The meeting took place at the Circuit House in Athwa Lines, chaired by Avantika Singh (IAS), Managing Director of Gujarat Gas.
Officials from the Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry, industrialists, gas company officials, and representatives from the district supply department participated in the meeting. The district supply officer informed that dealers of HPCL, BPCL, and IOCL have started supplying 3 and 5 kg gas cylinders. Under this arrangement, artisans working in industrial units can obtain cylinders by submitting an application on their institution's letterhead along with a copy of their Aadhaar card.
This system has been implemented to prevent the migration of workers. Additionally, the process for obtaining PNG (Piped Natural Gas) connections has been simplified. Previously, it took 45 days to get a connection, but now it has been reduced to just 7 days.
Information about industrial areas where gas lines are not available will be sent to Gujarat Gas by the chamber. Nikhil Madras, President of the Chamber of Commerce, stated that in the current circumstances, the chamber will act as a bridge to establish coordination between industry, administration, and gas companies. Vice President Ashok Jirawala mentioned that proposals for laying gas pipelines in industrial areas such as Sachin, Palsana, Pandesara, Kim-Pipodra, Sayon, and Mangrol have been made.
Furthermore, a demand for the installation of meters in areas where gas lines have been laid but supply has not started due to the lack of meters was also raised. The management of Gujarat Gas showed a positive attitude and assured prompt action. This meeting is considered a relief step for the industry, which may help mitigate the impact on production and employment.
