Jail for Hoarding LPG Cylinders: Centre Invokes ESMA to Tackle Gas Shortage

The Government of India has invoked the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) to prevent the hoarding of LPG cooking gas cylinders, as part of emergency measures to manage the current shortage.

The move comes amid concerns over potential disruptions in the supply of crude oil and natural gas, largely due to the ongoing West Asia conflict.

To address the situation, the central government has already introduced several emergency measures, including restrictions on LPG cylinder bookings and tighter control over distribution.

Authorities fear that shortages of cooking gas could significantly affect restaurants, hotels, and food delivery services, as well as everyday household needs.

Under the new measures, the government has directed that domestic LPG cylinders should be given priority, while strict restrictions have been imposed on commercial cylinder usage.

The Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA), 1968, has now been implemented to ensure uninterrupted supply of essential services. Under this law, anyone involved in hoarding LPG cylinders or disrupting essential services can face imprisonment ranging from three months to seven years.

The decision to prioritize domestic LPG cylinders has created concern among hotel and restaurant owners, who fear that tighter restrictions on commercial cylinders could impact their operations.

Source : Dinamani