Cooking gas crisis deepens as millions of households struggle to get LPG cylinder refills. File Photo
India has secured supplies of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and liquefied natural gas (LNG) through alternative import routes amid concerns over potential shortages caused by the escalating West Asia conflict, government officials said
Food and catering services at railway stations and trains will not be impacted by the LPG shortage, Railway officials said. The supply chains move in such a way that impact, if any at all, may be felt only in the next 15 to 20 days
According to officials, LPG demand had surged by around 15 to 20 per cent in recent days due to panic booking. An average household typically consumes seven to eight LPG cylinders of 14.2 kg in a year and generally does not require a refill in less than six weeks
LPG availability is being prioritised for households as well as essential non-domestic sectors, said Indian Oil Corporation
The state and the Centre were coordinating closely to ensure that households do not face any shortage of cooking gas cylinders, Gujarat Energy Minister Rushikesh Patel told reporters in Gandhinagar ahead of the assembly session
Mumbai’s hospitality sector has flagged growing concerns over access to commercial LPG cylinders, with the Indian Hotel & Restaurant Association (AHAR) warning the shortage has already forced some establishments to temporarily shut operations
Industry sources told the PTI that the shortage is already impacting Mumbai and Bengaluru, with hotels and restaurants struggling to secure cooking gas
A senior official said that petrol and diesel prices will not be increased for now despite international crude oil rates crossing USD 100 per barrel
The government is closely monitoring global oil markets, but there is no immediate plan to raise retail fuel prices.
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