By Admin 
LPG Cylinder Shortage Live: The impact of the ongoing war between Iran, Israel and America and the resulting tension in the Middle East is now visible on a large scale in India. There is a huge shortage of LPG in the common man’s kitchen and restaurants. There are also interruptions in LPG supply due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. It has affected all the cities and hospitality sectors of the country.
What is the situation of metros?
In metropolitan cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Kolkata, hotels and restaurants are facing a lot of problems in getting commercial cylinders. The Restaurant Association says that the supply has become irregular for the last few days.
According to Mumbai Hotels and Restaurants Association (AHRA), about 20 percent of the hotels in the city have already been closed for some time due to non-availability of cooking gas. The association said, “If the situation continues like this, then almost half of the hotels in Mumbai may be closed in the coming days.” Meanwhile, the government has directed oil companies and refineries to increase the production of LPG to stabilize the supply.
Great crisis on LPG supply
According to TOI report, a dealer said that domestic 14.2 kg cylinder is still available, but the supply of commercial LPG cylinders has been completely stopped from Sunday. He further said, “This will create a crisis for those hotels and restaurants who buy these big cylinders.”
LPG dealers said that if the situation continues like this, hotels and other commercial places may be forced to buy domestic cylinders from the black market. This is not only illegal but also dangerous.” Another dealer appealed to the government and said that even if they want to increase the price, they should increase it, but continue to provide commercial cylinders.
NRAI issued advisory
The disruption in commercial LPG supply is affecting the functioning of restaurants. In view of this, the National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI) has suggested adopting electric option to reduce dependence on gas. The advisory recommends the use of induction cooktops, electric grills, combi ovens and electric rice cookers in an effort to manage energy usage during supply disruptions.
NRAI has advised restaurants to adjust their operations amid disruption in the supply of commercial LPG cylinders. It has also been advised to make changes in the cooking schedule such as reducing gas usage during non-peak hours and consider sharing prepared items like gravies and sauces with nearby restaurants to manage the situation better.
effect on cremation furnaces
Meanwhile, Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) issued a notice saying that following the instructions of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, gas-powered cremation furnaces will remain closed for some time. This decision has been taken because the ministry has given priority to propane and butane supply for domestic LPG consumption due to the crisis in the Middle East.
Mess and PG fees likely to increase
PG owners in cities like Hyderabad and Chennai say that they are getting only 25 percent of the cylinders as per requirement. Due to increase in costs, hostel operators can increase the mess fees by 10-15 percent.
Also read:
Iran War increases India’s troubles, 20% hotels in Mumbai closed, condition worsens from Bhopal to Chandigarh