Assam government to provide free power to those setting up or reviving oxygen plants

The Assam government has announced that it will provide 100% free power to those setting up oxygen plants to avert the shortage of oxygen in the state. The state cabinet meeting on Wednesday decided that similar benefits will be provided to those willing to revive closed plants. All existing oxygen plants would be given 20% free power. All these decisions would come into effect from January 1, 2021, but the financial implications would be from April 1, 2021.

Assam’s industries and commerce minister, Chandra Mohan Patowary tweeted, “I extend my sincere thanks to HCM @himantabiswa for his appreciative initiative to help the industries in such a challenging time. Decision of the cabinet to provide free power to oxygen industries will enable them to enhance capacity & productivity to fight against #COVID19.”

Assam on Monday added 14 MT of oxygen and per day oxygen availability has gone up to over 80 MT. Production of another 15 MT oxygen will start soon.


Chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said, “We consume around 70 MT per day while our production is around 80 MT.”

Oxygen Hub of the northeast

Assam and Meghalaya agreed that Assam will serve the whole northeast as the medical oxygen hub by optimally utilising its oxygen storage and transportation facilities.