• Source:JND

LPG Crisis: Police in several states have stepped up monitoring amid rumours and panic around LPG supply, warning of strict action against misinformation and illegal activities such as hoarding and theft of gas cylinders. Meanwhile, reports of disruption in commercial LPG supply have surfaced in several Indian cities, with hotels and restaurants saying they are facing difficulties in getting cooking gas cylinders.

Delhi Court Faces Crisis, Mumbai Hotels Shut Down

Delhi High Court’s Lawyer canteen on Wednesday suspended preparation of main course meals due to unavailability of LPG gas cylinders.“Due to the unavailability of the LPG gas cylinders at present, we regret that we are unable to prepare and serve the main course items in the lawyers’ canteen,” the notice stated, adding that normal cooking operations would resume once the supply is restored.

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However, Smriti Gautam, the In-charge District Supply Officer, confirmed that while commercial cylinder supply is currently suspended to prioritise households, there is no shortage of domestic LPG, petrol, or diesel in the district.

 The commercial LPG shortage in Mumbai has inflicted a huge setback on the hotels and restaurants. Reports said that the percentage of restaurants being shut down or significant shrinks in the menu have surged to 40 per cent, TOI quoted Indian Hotel and Restaurant Association as saying.

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Significantly, most of these outlets are in Mumbai as these eateries are largely dependent on commercial LPG cylinders and have no access to PNG pipeline network. Nearly 40 per cent of the restaurants are affected, of which 20 per cent are on the verge of shutting down. The remaining outlets have either limited their kitchen timings or cut down dishes to manage the shortage. 

Haryana To Run Industrial Boilers, UttaraKhand To Provide Commercial Cylinders

 A large number of textile, food processing, pharmaceutical and agricultural implements units in Panipat, Sonipat, and Karnal rely on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) to run industrial boilers for dyeing, heating, and sterilisation. Most of these units are on the verge of shutting down operations, Manoj Arora, secretary, Haryana Chamber of Commerce and Industry (HCCI), The Hindu reported.

 Amid the worsening LPG crisis, Uttarakhand Government has announced to provide commercial gas cylinders to hospitals and educational institutions on a priority basis amid fears of a possible disruption in gas supply due to conflict in West Asia. 

 Bengaluru, Tamil Nadu Issues Notice To PGs

PG Owners Welfare Association in Bengaluru issued an advisory urging paying guest accommodation owners to adopt temporary gas conservation measures in view of a shortage in LPG and commercial gas supply. There are an estimated 15000-25000 PGs in Bengaluru. 

The Tamil Nadu IT Hostel and PG Owners Welfare Association has issued a notice to hostel operators citing a shortage of LPG cylinders and asking them to reduce gas usage in kitchens.


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