Centre Promises Action As INOX Flags Oxygen Tanker Diversion By Rajasthan

"Our four tankers with Haryana number plates have been seized by Rajasthan" oxygen supplier INOX told the High Court. The Rajasthan government has responded that they were short of tankers.

The Centre has promised exemplary action against Rajasthan, where, according to oxygen supplier INOX, four of their tankers were seized. The Central government should appoint a nodal officer whom suppliers can approach in such cases, the Delhi High Court said today as states fought for their share of oxygen amid a savage second wave of Covid. "Consequences will follow on Rajasthan seizing tankers. Action will be taken. This will be an example for other states," said the Centre, which has been repeatedly pulled up by the court last week over its inaction despite reports of oxygen tankers being blocked or diverted while on way to their destination. "Whichever government stops you, let us know. We will file a criminal case. The Home Minister has said no one should touch a tanker and a green corridor should be provided," the Centre said, assuring that yesterday, a GPS tagging system was also rolled out which would help the government track the tankers. At a meeting with the Chief Ministers of the 11 worst Covid-hit states last week, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also asked states to ensure that tankers carrying oxygen to other states not be stopped or delayed.