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Sunday, December 12, 1999

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LPG bottling plant dedicated
SRINAGAR, Dec 11 — Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Ram Naik today dedicated to the people of Jammu and Kashmir a modern LPG bottling plant at Pampore with an output of 4,500 cylinders in a single shift.

The plant, constructed by Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) within a record time of a year at a cost of Rs 10.50 crore, is equipped with latest fire fighting and security gadgets.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah was the chief guest.

Mr Naik announced the opening of eight LPG agencies and 60 extension counters in the state. Of the new agencies, three will be set up at Hajan, Dangiwacha and Sumbal in Baramula district, two at Sogam and Kalaroos in Kupwara district, two in Khour and Akhnoor in Jammu district and one at Hiranagar in Kathua district.

The extension counter at Pampore would also be upgraded to a gas agency.

Taking cognisance of the problems faced by the people of the state during winter, the minister said special status had been accorded to the state as far as the provision of the LPG and other petroleum products was concerned.

An additional quota of 2,000 kilolitres would be provided monthly to the state to meet increased requirements of kerosene in the valley during winter.

Another 500 kilolitres would be provided exclusively for meeting requirements of the Ladakh region and 1,000 kilolitres would be provided as a separate quota to migrants now at Jammu.

Mr Naik said 64 per cent work on the bottling plant at Jammu, being constructed by Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), was complete and the plant would be ready by October, 2000.