There will be no restriction on the movement of medical oxygen between states, the Ministry of Home Affairs said on Thursday, adding that transport authorities will be directed to allow free inter-state movement of oxygen-carrying vehicles.

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In an order on Thursday, the Ministry also said that there will be no restrictions imposed on oxygen manufacturers or suppliers limiting their supply only to hospitals in the state/UT they are located in, .  

Earlier today, the Supreme Court sought a national plan from the central government to tackle the shortage of medical oxygen supplies across the country amid a surge in demand due to rising cases.  

The apex court has scheduled a hearing in this matter for Friday. 

Meanwhile, the Delhi High Court informed the Centre that their allocation of oxygen for Delhi from plants in neighbouring states like Haryana was not being followed by the local administration. 

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This comes a day after the court censured the Centre for the oxygen crisis prevailing in the country, ordering it to “beg, borrow or steal” to meet the demand.

“You are not exploring all avenues to augment oxygen supply. We don’t care, Beg, borrow or steal. It is a national emergency. It seems human life is not important for the state,” the court said.