Dehradun, April 2 More than 9.5 lakh commercial LPG cylinders are likely to be used during the upcoming Char Dham Yatra, prompting the state government to seek additional supplies from the Centre, officials said on Thursday.
Following directives from Chief Secretary Anand Vardhan, the Department of Food and Civil Supplies has finalized a proposal estimating commercial LPG requirements from April to November for about 14,900 registered hotels, restaurants, guesthouses, dharamshalas, and other establishments.
Secretary of Food and Civil Supplies Anand Swarup said the surge in pilgrims and tourists during the yatra significantly increases LPG demand.
"The requirement for commercial LPG cylinders during this period is estimated at 9,67,950. We have requested the Government of India for an advance supply to avoid shortages," he said.
Oil companies have already ramped up supply from around 3,000 cylinders per day to over 6,000 in the last few days, Swarup added.
This year's Char Dham Yatra begins on April 19 with the opening of Gangotri and Yamunotri portals on Akshaya Tritiya. Kedarnath and Badrinath portals will open on April 22 and April 23, respectively.
