New Delhi, Feb 3: With pilgrims finding market priced cooking gas (LPG) too costly, Oil Ministry has ordered that subsidised LPG be provided to them during the entire duration of Kumbh Mela.
 "Oil Minister M Veerappa Moily has approved the proposal to provide subsidised LPG connections to Kumbh pilgrims," an official said here.
 As per government policy, a subsidised LPG connection can only be availed by households. All others, including community kitchen and commercial establishments like hotels, are supplied market priced
 LPG which is Rs 481 per 14.2-kg cylinder more than the subsidised price of Rs 410 in Delhi.
 This policy essentially meant that kitchens and other establishments using LPG at Kumbh Mela get market priced cooking gas.
 The official said this led to a sharp drop in number of LPG connections issued during the current Kumbh. Against 7,000 connections issued in 2001, only 931 connections had been sought this year. While in 2001 over 33,000 cylinders consumed, this year only 4,000 bottles were used.
 "To ease the hardship, the Minister has ordered subsidised LPG connections and refills be issued to those wanting at the Kumbh mela," he said.

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