There have been reports of shortage of commercial LPG cylinders in many cities of the country. Hotel associations of Bengaluru and Chennai have complained about supply disruption and warned of closing restaurants. The government has issued instructions to give priority to domestic LPG.
Commercial LPG Shortage India: Hotel and restaurant operators in many parts of the country have complained of shortage of commercial LPG cylinders. This problem has come to light at a time when the prices of domestic and commercial gas cylinders have increased recently. Hotel organizations say that if gas supply does not become normal soon, the operation of restaurants in many cities may be affected.
Warning of closure of restaurants in Bengaluru and Chennai
Hotel associations of Bengaluru and Chennai have claimed that the supply of commercial LPG in these cities has been significantly affected. According to news agency PTI, Bengaluru Hotel Association said that due to stoppage of gas supply, many hotels and restaurants may have to stop their work. The association also said that if the situation does not improve soon, it will affect the common people, students and medical professionals, as these people often depend on hotels for daily meals.
Chennai Hotels Association demands intervention from Prime Minister
Chennai Hotels Association has also expressed similar concerns. The organization said that commercial LPG distributors have stopped the supply of cylinders saying that they do not have enough stock. While posting on social media, the association has demanded Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene in the matter. The organization says that due to shortage of gas many restaurants have to be closed. This may also impact pre-booked banquet programs in hotels, food supply in IT parks and college hostels.
NRAI appealed to the government to intervene
The National Restaurant Association of India has also appealed to the government to intervene immediately on this issue. The organization says that most of the work of the restaurant industry is dependent on commercial LPG. According to NRAI, if the interruption in gas supply continues, a situation of closure of a large number of restaurants may arise.
Restaurants in Gurugram and Mumbai also affected
This problem is not limited to the cities of South India only. Many hotel owners in Gurugram and Mumbai have also spoken about the shortage of commercial LPG. According to Rohit Arora, a restaurant manager in Gurugram, his gas vendor has informed that the delivery of commercial LPG has been stopped for some time. At present they have backup cylinders which can last for about 3 days. He said that if the situation does not improve, they may have to use domestic cylinders or change the menu.
Change in menu and timing in Mumbai
According to a report, many restaurants in Mumbai’s areas like Dadar, Andheri and Matunga have changed their menus to save gas. At many places, dishes that require more time and low flame to cook have been removed. Some restaurants have also reduced their opening hours.
Gas crematorium in Pune temporarily closed
Pune Municipal Corporation has decided to close the city’s gas-based crematoriums for some time. This step has been taken so that the availability of propane and butane gas can be given priority for domestic LPG supply.
Concern about oil prices increased due to Iran-America tension
Rising energy prices in the international market are also being said to be a major reason behind this entire situation. In recent times, global oil prices have seen a surge due to increasing tensions between Iran and America. In particular, the growing threat to the Strait of Hormuz has increased concerns about global energy supply. About one-fifth of the world’s oil is transported through this sea route.
Government statement and steps taken
The government has reacted to the situation amid reports of rising oil prices and gas shortages. The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has directed oil refineries to increase LPG production. According to the ministry, at present priority is being given to domestic LPG supply. Also, to prevent hoarding and black marketing, an inter-booking period of 25 days has been implemented. The government also said that a committee has been formed to review the complaints received from the restaurant industry.
LPG cylinder prices increased recently
It is noteworthy that last week the price of commercial LPG cylinder was increased by about ₹ 115. At the same time, the price of domestic LPG cylinder was also increased by about ₹ 60. Experts believe that if energy prices continue to rise internationally, it may also impact gas and fuel prices in India.