Bengaluru, Mar 9 (UNI) Tejasvi Surya, BJP MP from Bengaluru South, has urged the Centre to ensure an uninterrupted supply of commercial LPG cylinders to restaurants and other establishments in the hospitality sector amid growing concerns over supply disruptions affecting eateries in several major cities.
In a letter to union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, Surya warned that any disruption in commercial LPG availability could severely impact restaurant operations, employment in the hospitality sector, and daily food services relied upon by thousands of residents.
Surya flagged concerns raised by the Bangalore Hotels Association regarding the disruption of commercial LPG supply to restaurants, hotels, and food service establishments.
The MP said the restaurant and food service industry relies heavily on commercial LPG for daily kitchen operations and most commercial kitchens currently do not have immediate alternatives, such as piped natural gas connectivity or large-scale electric cooking systems.
Industry bodies have warned that a sudden disruption in commercial LPG cylinder supplies could force many eateries to suspend kitchen operations. In Bengaluru, hotel associations have indicated that a large number of restaurants and small eateries could face operational challenges if supplies are not maintained.
Reports have also indicated that commercial LPG supply constraints have affected restaurants in several major cities, including Mumbai, Chennai and Bengaluru, raising concerns across the hospitality sector.
The concerns come even as the Central government recently invoked provisions of the Essential Commodities Act to regulate the supply and distribution of LPG in order to ensure adequate availability for domestic consumers and prevent hoarding or diversion.
Supply constraints are also being linked to volatility in global energy markets following tensions and conflict in West Asia, which have impacted shipping routes and energy supplies in several parts of the world.
While the industry has expressed support for the government’s efforts to safeguard LPG supply for domestic households, the association has sought assurance that commercial establishments continue to receive uninterrupted LPG through the existing distribution system.
Surya said he has forwarded the representation to the Minister for consideration and requested the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas to examine the matter and take appropriate steps to ensure continuity of supply as per applicable norms.
UNI BDN AAB