Maharashtra Food and Civil Supplies Minister Chhagan Bhujbal on Tuesday said that commercial LPG supply to hotels and restaurants may be reduced in the coming days, as the Centre has directed oil companies to prioritise domestic consumers amid disruptions in the global fuel supply chain caused by the escalating West Asia conflict.
In a video message, Bhujbal said the state government has been informed that domestic LPG supply must be given priority, which could lead to a temporary reduction in the availability of commercial cylinders used by hotels and eateries.
Commercial LPG supply may be curtailed
Bhujbal said several hotel owners had recently met him to express concerns about potential supply shortages of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) following developments in global energy markets.
“They requested that if commercial LPG supply has to be reduced, it should be done gradually so that businesses can adjust,” the minister said.
He added that he had personally discussed the issue with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
“There are clear instructions from the Central government to all oil companies to prioritise domestic gas supply. Hence, in due course there will be a reduction in commercial gas supply,” Bhujbal said.
Hotel industry likely to face operational challenges
The minister acknowledged that the decision could impact the hospitality sector, particularly in Mumbai where a large number of hotels and restaurants rely on commercial LPG cylinders for daily operations.
He said the possibility of eateries using kerosene as an alternative fuel was discussed during meetings with hotel owners. However, industry representatives expressed serious safety concerns.
According to Bhujbal, hotel operators said switching to kerosene would require major changes to their existing kitchen infrastructure and operational systems.
Govt warns against hoarding of LPG cylinders
Meanwhile, Maharashtra Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule warned that strict action will be taken against individuals or businesses found hoarding LPG cylinders.
Speaking to reporters at Vidhan Bhavan during the ongoing state legislature Budget Session, Bawankule said district collectors across Maharashtra have been instructed to monitor supply and act against hoarding.
“The government’s priority is to ensure uninterrupted supply of domestic gas. In a crisis-like situation, commercial supplies are bound to be affected, but we will ensure that the disruption does not continue for a long period,” he said.
Opposition criticised over gas supply remarks
Bawankule also criticised the Congress, alleging that the opposition party was attempting to create confusion among citizens over the LPG supply situation.
“The Congress should not indulge in politics during such a situation. In times of crisis they should stand with the government rather than create unnecessary confusion,” he said.
West Asia conflict impacts LPG imports
India consumes approximately 31.3 million tonnes of LPG annually, of which nearly 87 per cent is used for domestic cooking in households. The remaining portion is used by commercial establishments such as hotels and restaurants.
Around 62 per cent of India’s LPG demand is met through imports.
The current supply concerns have emerged following military escalation in West Asia. Attacks involving the United States and Israel on Iran and the subsequent retaliation from Tehran have disrupted maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.
The narrow waterway is a critical energy corridor through which around 85–90 per cent of India’s LPG imports from West Asian countries, including Saudi Arabia and Qatar, are transported.
Officials said the government is closely monitoring the situation and taking steps to ensure that domestic consumers continue to receive uninterrupted cooking gas supplies despite the global disruptions.
(With inputs from Agencies)
