The impact of the ongoing tension in Iran and the Gulf region has now reached the kitchens of Bengaluru city of India. There is a shortage of commercial LPG cylinders due to the global energy crisis and supply disruption in the Strait of Hormuz. In view of this situation, many college hostels and messes of Bengaluru have issued notices warning students that due to shortage of gas, they will no longer be able to get regular roti and chapati for dinner.
Latest data of gas prices and supply in Bengaluru
A huge decline of 60-70% has been recorded in the supply of commercial LPG in the city. The Petroleum Ministry has directed to give priority to domestic consumers and hospitals, due to which it has become difficult for the commercial sector to get cylinders. The new rates of cylinders in Bengaluru are as follows:
Cylinder Type New Price (Bengaluru) Change Commercial (19 kg) ₹1,958.00 Huge increase of ₹144 Domestic (14.2 kg) ₹915.50 Increase of ₹60
New instructions and rules of the government to prevent shortage
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has written a letter to the Central Government demanding immediate intervention in this matter. The government and oil companies have imposed some strict rules to handle the situation, which are as follows:
Difference in booking: To prevent hoarding of domestic cylinders, a mandatory gap of 25 days has been implemented between two bookings.
Refinery Production: Private refineries have been ordered to reduce petrochemical production and produce maximum LPG.
Priority Rules: Oil marketing companies have been asked to reserve the total production only for the domestic category.
Review Committee: The Petroleum Minister has formed a committee of officials of three oil companies which will monitor the supply.
Bengaluru Hotels Association has also warned that if gas supply is not restored immediately, more than 2,000 hotels in the city may have to be closed. Currently, many hotel operators are using induction stoves as an alternative and are including gas-efficient items in the menu.