India may soon be the proud owner of a national gas highway network, one that will ensure supply of natural gas across the country. As per an Economic Times report, the oil ministry is contemplating developing this national gas highway as infrastructure firms are refraining from venturing into non-profitable segments. That is the reason why even though there is a nationwide demand for natural gas, gas pipelines are concentrated mainly in the eastern and western regions while the southern, central and north eastern regions lack infrastructure. As such, a balanced distribution of gas will help India achieve a more distributed growth as industries have been known to develop along natural gas pipelines. Besides, with such a massive investment, companies catering to this industry will be direct beneficiaries.
Look at government inefficiency, food prices have galloped at an alarming rate over the last few months. Some blame it on the poor monsoons. Some blame it on hoarding by greedy middlemen. In my opinion, the government unknowingly itself is a massive hoarder. As per a report in a financial daily, the stock of rice and wheat in government granaries is way above the minimum requirement. Sadly, much of this excess stock is stored in the open. It either rots or feeds pests. In my view, this is a national shame. We cannot get the basics right in such a crucial area when food prices are spiraling out of control and millions of Indians still go hungry. Such stocks should be stored properly and released in small lots to stabilise prices.
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