A sudden shortage of commercial LPG cylinders has triggered alarm across the hospitality sector. Reportedly, restaurant associations in Maharashtra and Karnataka has warned that eateries could shut down within days of supplies are not restored.

The disruption has already begun affecting operations in Mumbai and Bengaluru, as the hotels and restaurants struggle to secure cooking gas amid global supply disruptions linked to the West Asia conflict.

Amid this, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas said that it has taken steps to stabilise LPG supply following disruptions caused by global geopolitical tensions. Issuing a statement, the ministry mentioned, “In light of current geopolitical disruptions to fuel supply and constraints on supply of LPG, the ministry has issued orders to oil refineries for higher LPG production and using such extra production for domestic LPG use,”

The government stated that household LPG supplies have been given priority, and a 25-day interval between cylinder bookings has been introduced to curb hoarding and black-market activities. According to the ministry, imported LPG intended for non-domestic use is currently being prioritised for essential sectors such as hospitals and educational institutions.

The ministry also announced the formation of a committee comprising three executive directors from oil marketing companies. This committee will review requests from restaurants, hotels and other industries that require commercial LPG supplies.

Additionally, the ministry said it is assessing the needs of sectors affected by the supply disruption. To address concerns related to LPG availability for restaurants, automobiles and other non-domestic sectors, the committee will evaluate their requirements and attempt to allocate the available supply accordingly.

Meanwhile, the major oil companies on Monday put a temporary restriction on supply of 19 kg commercial gas cylinders across Madhya Pradesh. However, there is no formal orders to this effect but the gas agencies have been informed through a message on Monday morning to discontinue supply of blue gas cylinders fir now except for hospitals and schools. An office-bearer of the MP Gas Dealers told Times Of India that they have been asked to discontinue supply of commercial gas cylinders to everyone but hospitals and schools.

Recently, the government has also increased the minimum waiting period for booking a domestic LPG cylinder refill to 25 days from 21 days, a move aimed at preventing hoarding and ensuring equitable distribution of cooking gas.