In a statement, Bhujbal said gas companies have been directed by the Centre to ensure that household supply is not disrupted under any circumstances
Maharashtra Minister Chhagan Bhujbal. File Pic
Maharashtra’s Minister for Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Protection, Chhagan Bhujbal, on Sunday said the state government will examine concerns raised by hotel owners over a possible reduction in commercial gas supply following an advisory prioritising domestic consumption amid the West Asia crisis.
In a statement, Bhujbal said gas companies have been directed by the Centre to ensure that household supply is not disrupted under any circumstances.
“While the directive focuses on domestic consumption, it may indirectly affect the availability of gas for commercial establishments such as hotels and restaurants,” he said, reported PTI.
The minister noted that reports from Karnataka indicate that some hotels have already faced disruptions, while similar concerns have been raised in Gujarat.
Hotel owners have appealed to the government not to completely halt commercial gas supply and suggested that, if necessary, it be reduced partially instead.
Bhujbal warned that a complete suspension of gas supply to hotels could force many establishments to shut down. “Switching to alternatives such as kerosene would require significant infrastructure changes and could pose operational risks,” he added, reported PTI.
Govt to balance domestic and commercial gas supply
The minister said he has discussed the issue with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, adding that the government will attempt to strike a balance so that domestic consumers remain unaffected while commercial establishments do not face major disruptions.
Meanwhile, the Union government in its daily update on the impact of the West Asia situation said priority sectors continue to receive protected natural gas supplies, including 100 per cent supply for piped natural gas (PNG) used in households and compressed natural gas (CNG).
However, gas supplies to industrial and commercial users have been regulated at around 80 per cent.
Commercial LPG cylinders have also been made available to state governments for priority distribution and are currently accessible in 30 states and Union Territories. Authorities have also intensified inspections to curb hoarding and black-marketing.
India imports nearly 88 per cent of its crude oil, about 50 per cent of its natural gas and around 60 per cent of its LPG requirements.
Prior to the United States-Israel strikes on Iran on February 28 and Iran’s retaliation, a significant portion of these imports came from West Asian countries such as Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates.
The conflict has also led to a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a key transit route for Gulf energy supplies, raising concerns about fuel availability and supply disruptions.
(With PTI inputs)
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
