22, Apr 2021 | CJP Team

In view of rapidly increasing cases of Covid and the subsequent demand for oxygen, the Government of Delhi permitted the use of industrial oxygen cylinders for medical purposes, further directing its manufacturers, distributors etc. to comply with the said order.

This move comes in wake of similar action taken by many other states that are now sourcing oxygen from steel and copper plants. But the bigger issues that need to be addressed are diversion of oxygen cylinders for unauthorised sale at exorbitant prices. 

Also, how cylinders are often purchased from plants and facilities located thousands of kilometers away. This mismanagement provides an insight into not only the lack of proper planning and preparation by the government, but also failure to control profiteering amidst a crisis.