Rohit Shishodia

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has directed officials to ensure free and seamless movement of oxygen tankers in the country. The directions came in a virtual meeting where senior officials of the Health and Road Transport ministries were present. The PM suggested increasing oxygen production as per capacity of each plant.

It was discussed that surplus stocks of oxygen supply in steel plants be offered for medical use. Modi took a detailed review of the current situation of oxygen supply and projected use in the coming 15 days across 12 high burden states (Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan).

Officials informed Modi that the center and states are in regular contact and estimates for projected demand have been shared with states. Accordingly, 4,880 MT, 5,619 MT and 6,593 MT oxygen have been allocated to these 12 states for meeting their projected demand as on April 20, April 25 and April 30, respectively.

The government has exempted all interstate movement of oxygen tankers from registration of permits to enable easier movement.

The PM was informed that states and transporters have been asked to ensure tankers move round the clock with drivers working in shifts to ensure faster turnaround and adequate capacity to meet the surge in demand.

“Cylinder filling plants will also be permitted 24 hour working with necessary safeguards. The Government is allowing Industrial cylinders to be used for medical oxygen after due purging. Similarly, nitrogen and argon tankers will be automatically allowed to be converted to oxygen tankers to overcome the potential shortage of tankers,” reads a PMO press release.