Amid growing demand for medical oxygen from states due to an unprecedented spike in daily coronavirus cases, the Centre has prohibited the supply of oxygen for industrial purposes except in nine specified industries. The decision will come into effect from April 22.

On Sunday, Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla wrote to chief secretaries of all states and Union Territories and directed them to take necessary measures to prohibit the supply of oxygen for industrial purpose, except in nine industries.

“In view of the rapid rise in Covid-19 cases and resultant rapid demand for medical oxygen, particularly in high-burden states of Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Delhi and Uttar Pradesh, the central government-constituted Empowered Group-II has reviewed the supply of oxygen for industrial use in order to divert the same to meet the rising demand for medical oxygen in the country and save precious lives,” Ajay Bhalla said.

“Accordingly, the EG-II has recommended prohibiting the supply of oxygen for industrial purposes by manufacturers and suppliers from April 22 till further orders, with exceptions to nine specified industries. The recommendation of the EG-II has been accepted by the government,” the home secretary said in his letter.

“I, therefore, urge you to issue necessary instructions to all the authorities concerned in your State to ensure compliance to the decision of the EG-II and take necessary measures to prohibit supply of oxygen for industrial purposes, except those exempted nine industries. It will help in augmenting supply for medical oxygen in the country and in saving precious lives,” the letter added.

The aforesaid prohibition shall not apply to the following 9 industries listed hereunder:

1) Ampoules and Vials

2) Pharmaceutical

3) Petroleum refineries

4) Steel plants

5) Nuclear energy facilities

6) Oxygen cylinder manufacturers

7) Waste-water treatment plants

8) Food and water purification

9) Process Industries that require the uninterrupted operation of furnaces, processes, others as approved by the respective authority.

The central government on Saturday issued an emergency order to ensure an uninterrupted supply of oxygen cylinders across state borders. The third such order in 24 hours, this order also enabled manufacturers and suppliers to supply medical oxygen to hospitals anywhere in the country.