Karnataka CM flags commercial LPG disruption in Bengaluru, writes to Union Minister

Karnataka’s Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has written to Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri seeking urgent intervention to address the disruption in supply of commercial LPG to hotels and restaurants in Bengaluru.

The Chief Minister said the problem appeared to have arisen following a revised order issued by the Ministry on March 9, which prioritises LPG production for domestic consumers. While the intention behind the order — to ensure uninterrupted supply to households — was appreciated, its implementation had led to an unintended shortage of commercial LPG in Bengaluru, he said.

“Several hotels and restaurant associations in the city have reported that they are unable to procure commercial LPG cylinders. Many establishments are expressing concern that they may have to temporarily shut operations if supplies are not restored soon,” Mr. Siddaramaiah wrote.

He noted that Bengaluru has a large ecosystem of small restaurants, mess facilities, and catering units that serve lakhs of people every day. According to discussions with oil marketing companies, the State’s commercial LPG demand has been supported by three public sector companies — Indian Oil Corporation Limited supplying around 500–550 metric tonnes per day, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited supplying around 300 metric tonnes per day, and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited supplying around 230 metric tonnes per day.

“The sudden disruption of this supply is now severely affecting hotels, catering establishments, and other commercial users in Bengaluru,” he wrote, adding that any disruption to their functioning would directly affect daily life in the city.

Students and working professionals

The Chief Minister pointed out that the shortage would particularly impact students and working professionals living away from their homes who depend on hotels and mess facilities for regular meals. Wedding halls, hostels and event venues, that rely on commercial LPG for cooking, were also facing uncertainty, especially with scheduled social and community events, he added.

Mr. Siddaramaiah urged the Union Government to ensure adequate supply of commercial LPG to hotels, restaurants, choultries, community halls, and other commercial establishments in the city. “Appropriate directions to the oil marketing companies to address the current supply constraints would help ease the situation,” he stated.