September 13 nears, extension of fuel relaxation unlikely for Delhi eateries
September 13 looms large on the horizon for Delhi-NCR eateries, as the temporary reprieve allowing them to use coal and high-speed diesel is set to expire. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) is not expected to extend the relaxation beyond that date, according to sources. The government is worried that extending the reprieve could undermine the benefits of restrictions on polluting fuels.
The fuel crisis has hit eateries hard, as seen at Khadak Singh Ka Dhabha where higher LPG prices and supply disruptions have pushed up costs. The relaxation allowing coal, kerosene, and HSD was first granted on March 13 and extended four times since then due to natural gas supply disruptions caused by the West Asia conflict. The current extension is valid until September 13, following a Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas directive on August 13.
Experts warn that continuing the relaxation could worsen pollution during the winter months, as stagnant weather conditions make it difficult to disperse pollutants.
Written by urgent.news from The Indian Express's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
