LPG Cylinder Shortage LIVE | Common man should not be impacted because of US-Israel-Iran war: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday told the Cabinet that war should not impact the common man. Earlier, Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri met him amid reports of LPG cylinder shortage in several cities.

Sources said that stock used to reach distributors in about 2.5 days, and it continues to take the same amount of time now. All refineries are operating at full capacity, and around 60 lakh cylinders are supplied across the country every day.

Government sources said that India increased its import of gas from non-Strait of Hormuz to 70 per cent from 55 per cent earlier. Also, all refineries are working at 100 per cent. 

"The gas shortage is being met by diverting gas from the industry. Bookings, which previously took place after twenty-one days, have now been extended to twenty-five. LPG production has been increased by 10 per cent," sources said.

There are currently no problems with LPG supplies, and sufficient stock is available. ESMA has not been imposed, and there is no need for a price increase at this time. India is sourcing supplies from approximately 40 countries.

"The government of India said that we have stocks for at least 12 to 16 weeks. We know there is an international issue... As a country, they have to provide solutions for this. I don't know what plans the government of India has," said Karnataka Minister Santosh Lad.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Tuesday said he had written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi urging the Union Government to intervene to ensure the safety of Tamils living across Gulf countries and also to examine the supply of LPG cylinders.

Due to high demand and low supply, LPG cylinders are now reportedly being black-marketed. People have claimed that a cylinder costing Rs 910 is being sold in the market for Rs 2,000, and many are being forced to buy it because cylinders are not available at agencies even after waiting for 10 days.

"In light of current geopolitical disruptions affecting global fuel supply, steps have been taken to enhance LPG production and prioritise its availability for domestic consumers and essential non-domestic sectors such as hospitals and educational institutions. Requests from other non-domestic sectors will be reviewed by a committee of Executive Directors from Oil Marketing Companies and prioritised based on merit, necessity, and product availability," Indian Oil Corp Ltd.

Amid reports of LPG cylinder shortage in several cities, Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri met Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Meanwhile, the Cabinet press briefing is scheduled at 4 pm.

According to the Hotel Owners Association of Mumbai (AAHAR), approximately 8,000 hotels in the city are affected by the crisis. The organisation claims that approximately 20 per cent of hotels have already closed, and if the supply of commercial gas cylinders does not return to normal in the next two to three days, approximately 4,000 to 5,000 more hotels could close.

Long queues of customers for LPG domestic gas were seen in Sambhaji Nagar. Residents of the MIDC Waluj area in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district are currently facing difficulties and are standing in queues under the scorching sun.

Haryana Food Supply Minister Rajesh Nagar said that a central government guideline has been issued to ban commercial cylinders for a few days. An advisory has also been issued regarding cylinder bookings between 21 and 25 days. He added that the Additional Chief Secretary of the Food Supply Department has called a meeting with all oil companies this evening. He further said that the state government has requested data on LPG availability.

In a letter from the Food Supply Department to Indian Oil Corporation Limited, it was stated that the officers, the Chief Minister, and the minister are closely monitoring the situation to ensure that there is no black marketing of gas in Haryana. All Deputy Commissioners and DFCs in the state have been instructed to submit daily reports regarding gas cylinders.

Gajendra Looniwal of the Federation of Hotel Associations Rajasthan said that tension is rising among hotel owners, and the government should make alternative arrangements. If cylinders do not arrive, hotels and restaurants will come to a standstill. He questioned how they would be able to meet their expenses in such a situation.

Distributors in Bengaluru said that although they currently have stock for the next four days, they have stopped supplies because oil companies did not refill commercial LPG cylinders on Monday. The price of a commercial cylinder in Bengaluru is currently Rs 1,950 per cylinder. Reports have also emerged that some distributors are selling cylinders in the black market for up to Rs 3,000.

A gas agency owner in Delhi said that commercial gas is not arriving, and therefore, they are unable to supply it. A notice has also been posted outside the gas agency stating that supplies of commercial cylinders to hotels, restaurants and other establishments have been discontinued. "Domestic cylinders will now be available only after 25 days," the notice reads.

Mumbai's hotel industry is facing a shortage of commercial LPG cylinders. The supply of commercial LPG cylinders has been affected, leaving many cylinders lying empty in the godown. Employees at the godown said that for the past two to three days, the company has not refilled commercial gas cylinders. It is difficult to say when the supply will return to normal.