INS urges govt to classify LPG supply for newspaper presses as essential service

Amid an acute LPG shortage affecting press operations, The Indian Newspaper Society (INS) has urged the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas to classify LPG supply to newspaper establishments as an essential service, saying the disruption is hampering heat-set printing and canteen facilities at newspapers that function round the clock.

In a representation submitted to Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, INS has said, “This is to bring to your kind attention the difficulties being faced by the newspaper establishments in various parts of the country due to the shortage of Liquefied Petroleum Gas
(LPG) supply. We understand that the ongoing war in West Asia is causing a shortage in the supply of fossil fuels, including LPG, to the country. However, it is pertinent to mention that several newspaper establishments utilize LPG as a fuel resource in their presses, particularly in heat-set press operations used for printing that require high-temperature drying systems for ink curing.”

“Additionally, these establishments also run non-commercial canteens for their employees as the Press functions 24/7. These canteens serve as an essential support system for the workforce engaged in continuous operation of the Press.

Due to this war-driven curtailment of LPG cylinders in various parts of the country, many newspaper establishments are finding it increasingly difficult to maintain their operations and run their canteen services on a day-to-day basis for the work force.

In view of the above, we respectfully request your good self to kindly consider placing LPG cylinders for newspaper establishments under the essential category of supply, so that uninterrupted availability of fuel for their operational requirements and canteens may be
ensured,” read the representation.