LPG Gas Cylinder Crisis in India Live Updates: Delhi govt mandates LPG supply to businesses only if they apply for PNG connection

LPG Gas Cylinder Crisis: Delhi govt mandates LPG supply to businesses only if they apply for PNG connection

The Delhi government has strengthened rules for the supply of commercial LPG cylinders, making it mandatory for businesses to either have or apply for a piped natural gas (PNG) connection in areas where the network exists, according to an official order.

In an order issued by the Food, Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department on April 2, the government amended a key clause of its recently notified policy on the distribution of commercial LPG cylinders.

Under the revised rules, commercial and industrial consumers will be eligible to receive LPG supplies only if they are registered with the concerned oil marketing company (OMC) and have applied for a PNG connection, wherever the network is available.

In areas where PNG infrastructure is not yet in place, consumers will be required to submit an application expressing their intent to switch to PNG once it becomes available.

Officials said OMCs will be required to verify documents at least once to ensure compliance with these conditions. Records of consumers who have expressed intent to shift to PNG will also be shared with Indraprastha Gas Limited (IGL) for further action.

" When supplying to commercial gas consumers, the OMCs shall at least once collect documentation records to ensure that the consumer is registered with the OMC and has either applied for a PNG connection or has submitted an application indicating the intent to obtain a PNG connection upon its availability," the order stated.

Some flexibility has been provided for businesses that require LPG alongside PNG for operations. Such businesses can apply to the Additional Commissioner of the department, explaining their needs. Decisions on these requests will be made in consultation with the three OMCs.

"The OMCs could also collect such applications and submit to the Additional Commissioner for a prompt decision. The Additional Commissioner shall promptly dispose of the same in consultation with the three Oil Marketing Companies," the order stated.

The rest of the policy, notified on March 26 along with a subsequent addendum, will remain unchanged, the order said.

LPG Gas Cylinder Crisis: Long queues at LPG stations as supply rumours spark panic

Thousands of autorickshaw drivers in Raichur and neighbouring districts have faced long, gruelling wait times at refuelling stations this week amid rumours of a severe LPG shortage sweeping Northern Karnataka.

The panic, largely driven by the closure of several private outlets and global supply chain disruptions linked to the ongoing West Asia crisis, has created "serpentine" queues stretching past city landmarks.

While the state government and major Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) like IndianOil have assured the public of sufficient stock and increased distribution, the gap between government-fixed rates and higher private prices continues to trigger protests among drivers, whose daily livelihoods are at stake.

Karnataka Food and Civil Supplies Minister K.H. Muniyappa reiterated that there is no "actual" shortage for domestic or public transport needs. The government has directed IndianOil to ramp up daily sales, currently at 59.53 Metric Tonnes per day, warned private distributors against black marketing and unauthorised price hikes, and set up district-level monitoring committees to raid hoarding sites.

The Government of India on Saturday strongly assured the public of adequate availability of petrol, diesel, LPG, and PNG across the country.

Meanwhile, on Friday, Indian Oil Corp clarified that its five kg Free Trade Liquefied Petroleum Gas (FTL) cylinders are continuously supplied to migrant labourers, with adequate arrangements made to maintain steady availability. The government-owned company emphasised that there is no disruption in supplies.

Hindustan Petroleum Corp stated that it delivered a record 14,10,000 cylinders under its LPG segment from 55 bottling plants and supplied 27,800 free trade LPC cylinders in the 5 kg segment and 1,500 cylinders in the 2 kg segment.

Earlier in March, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah wrote to Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri seeking urgent intervention to address the severe shortage of commercial LPG in Bengaluru, which has disrupted supply and livelihoods across the state.

In a post on X, CM Siddaramaiah wrote, "I have written to the Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Puri seeking urgent intervention to address the severe shortage of commercial LPG in Bengaluru, which is impacting supply and livelihoods across Karnataka," Karnataka CM said.

He added, "The State Government has already taken steps to regulate and prioritise supply for essential sectors. However, with demand at around 50,000 cylinders and supply limited to just 1,000 per day, the situation remains critical - forcing businesses and hotels to shut down. I have requested immediate allocation support to ensure adequate availability of commercial and auto LPG for Karnataka."

Meanwhile, India is actively engaging with global partners to safeguard its energy security and the safety of Indian nationals in the Gulf as tensions in West Asia continue to disrupt trade and logistics.

In view of these disruptions, the Central government has announced a financial relief package of Rs 497 crores to assist exporters affected by the West Asia crisis.

Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the ongoing situation has posed challenges for countries worldwide. “It has been a testing time for not just us, but for the entire global community. Our leaders have been in touch with their counterparts,” Jaiswal said.

India continues to coordinate with stakeholders to ensure uninterrupted energy supplies and the safety of its citizens in the Gulf region.

At the second meeting of the Informal Group of Ministers (IGoM), which monitors the evolving West Asia situation and suggests proactive measures to minimise its impact on India, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh underlined the importance of round-the-clock monitoring and responding in a calibrated manner to any eventuality.

He stressed the need to leave no stone unturned to ensure that the people of the country face the minimum effect of the conflict.

LPG Gas Cylinder Crisis in India Live: India-flagged Green Sanvi vessel with 46,650 metric tonnes of LPG safely transits Strait of Hormuz

An India-flagged large gas carrier, Green Sanvi, safely transited the Strait of Hormuz on Friday night, carrying around 46,650 metric tonnes of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), official sources said.

Earlier, on March 28, a shipment of 47,000 metric tonnes of LPG reached the Vadinar Terminal of DPA Kandla in Jamnagar, Gujarat.

The vessel, MT Jag Vasant, is scheduled to transfer its cargo to another ship at anchorage through a Ship-to-Ship (STS) operation.

Indian Navy warships were on standby to assist merchant vessels if required, according to news agency ANI.

The Centre has been in discussions with Iranian authorities to facilitate the passage of Indian vessels through the Strait of Hormuz amid a maritime blockade linked to the ongoing West Asia conflict.

Previously, the Shipping Ministry had stated that 18 vessels with around 485 seafarers were present in the Persian Gulf region.

At a joint inter-ministerial briefing on recent developments in the Gulf, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Mukesh Mangal, said that all Indian vessels and crew in the Persian Gulf are under close watch.. "All seafarers in the Persian Gulf remain safe," he added.

"18 Indian vessels with around 485 seafarers are in the region. Over 964 seafarers have been repatriated so far, while ports across India continue to operate normally," Mangal informed.

On port operations, he said, "We are maintaining continuous coordination with the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, the Ministry of External Affairs, Indian missions abroad, and other stakeholders in the maritime sector."

Around 5,98,000 passengers have returned to India amid the evolving security situation in West Asia and the Gulf region, a senior government official said.

The West Asia crisis began on February 28 following US-Israel strikes on Iran, with subsequent retaliation by Iran escalating tensions and impacting global fuel supplies.

LPG Gas Cylinder Crisis: Gas cos reshuffle, shun ‘slow’ LPG distributors for faster delivery

In a bid to cut down on delivery delays and ease consumer frustration, oil marketing companies (OMC)s, led by Indian Oil Corporation, have begun redistributing domestic LPG bookings from slower distributors to more efficient ones, without requiring customers to switch their registered dealer, which officially was being called cylinder portability.

A senior IOC official told TOI internal assessments revealed wide variations in delivery timelines among distributors. "Some distributors take significantly longer than others. We've decided to dynamically reassign bookings so that customers receive cylinders faster," he said.

In Bengal, of 1,500-odd LPG distributors, 60-70 reportedly underperform. These distributors are being bypassed temporarily as bookings are routed to better-performing counterparts. "We are channelling bookings to efficient distributors for faster delivery," an OMC official said. "Users do not have to do anything — changes are being handled from our end. Our aim is to infuse efficiency into the system."

The move follows a surge in bookings between March 7 and March 11, when demand spiked sharply amid panic ordering. According to industry data, average daily bookings jumped from around 2.5 lakh to 5.9 lakh — more than double in days. The rush caused technical disruptions, with mobile apps of multiple OMCs, briefly crashing under heavy traffic.Distributors said the after effects of that surge were still being felt. "We are struggling to clear the backlog created during those days," said a distributor, associated with Bharat Petroleum's Bharat Gas. "With existing manpower, it takes nearly two to three days to clear a day's backlog. As a result, there is still a gap of six to seven days between booking and delivery." Read more

LPG Gas Cylinder Crisis in India: Due to a shortage of Commercial LPG, local dhabas use diesel, coal, and wood stoves to cook food

LPG Gas Cylinder Crisis in India Live: 3,700 illegal LPG cylinders seized in crackdown

Sleuths of Telangana’s Civil Supplies Department have seized around 3,700 illegally stocked domestic LPG cylinders since March 12 as part of a crackdown on misuse, officials said on Friday.

They also recovered 70 small cylinders worth Rs 1.10 crore during the operation.

A total of 216 FIRs have been registered in connection with the drive, officials added.

Civil Supplies Commissioner M Stephen Raveendra had in March warned of strict action against those found hoarding or black-marketing LPG cylinders.

Amid the ongoing crisis in West Asia, which has disrupted energy supplies through the Strait of Hormuz, the government has cautioned that strict action will be taken against those stealing cooking gas or involved in hoarding, unauthorised storage, or illegal resale of LPG cylinders.

LPG Gas Shortage News: Gas agency worker in Indore vanishes with LPG cylinders

Amid LPG crisis, a gas agency worker in Indore’s Banganga area allegedly collected empty cylinders from 30 households and disappeared. It is suspected that the accused sold the cylinders in the black market. The case came to light after complaints piled up against Mukesh Sonone, an employee associated with a gas point godown.

ACP Rubina Mizwani said according to the complaint, the accused approached customers claiming their refill turn had arrived and assured them of quick delivery. Using this pretext, he collected empty cylinders from 30 consumers, but failed to supply filled ones.

The matter escalated when customers began following up for their refills. Neither were the cylinders returned nor did the accused respond to the calls. His mobile phone remained switched off and he has not been traced at his residence. Officials said he has not reported to work since March 22. Banganga police registered a case of cheating against Sonone on Thursday.

LPG Crisis in India: Coal demand surges in hills as LPG shortage disrupts food services amid Israel-Iran crisis

A sharp rise in coal demand has been reported across hill regions, particularly in Shimla, as eateries struggle with an acute shortage of LPG cylinders amid global fuel disruptions linked to the ongoing Israel-Iran crisis.

The shortage has started to hit the food-service sector, with small restaurants and roadside dhabas increasingly turning to coal for cooking as LPG supplies become irregular and delayed.

Local workers say the situation has worsened in recent weeks, with cylinder deliveries taking much longer than usual, affecting daily operations.

Rajkumar, a dhaba worker, highlighted the severity of the issue, saying, "It's becoming too much of a problem. Earlier, we used to get one cylinder daily, but now it takes nearly four weeks. Because of this, we have no option but to burn coal."

He added that even owners are confused about fluctuating fuel prices, making it difficult to manage costs.

Expressing similar concerns, Bhim Singh, another dhaba worker, said this is the first time such a crisis has been seen on this scale.

"We are facing a lot of problems due to the gas shortage. Coal suppliers have also increased their rates, and sometimes we don't even get a regular supply. Customers have to wait longer, and we may have to cut down on menu items," he said, adding that delays in cooking have now become a daily challenge affecting both workers and business.

Coal suppliers, meanwhile, confirmed a spike in demand driven by rising LPG prices and supply disruptions in the commercial sector.

Vikram Bhagra, a local coal supplier, said, "Demand has increased significantly because many restaurants that earlier depended on gas have now shifted to coal. Even those using electric systems are ordering coal as a backup."

He noted that while demand has risen sharply, supply chains are also under pressure.

"Earlier, demand would rise by 10-12 kg, but now it has increased by 15-20 kg or more. We have increased prices slightly around Rs 3 per kg because procurement costs have gone up," Bhagra said.

Bhagra also pointed to logistical challenges, including delays in coal transportation due to rising fuel prices and issues with truck availability. However, he added that business for coal suppliers has increased amid the crisis.

"The business has actually increased for us, but the restaurant sector is under pressure as their costs have gone up," he said.

Industry observers say the situation reflects a broader national trend, where LPG shortages and high fuel costs are forcing eateries to adapt quickly, often at the cost of efficiency and sustainability. In cities as well as hill regions, many establishments are turning to coal, kerosene, and even wood-fired stoves to keep operations running.

While increased coal availability in Shimla has offered some temporary relief, experts warn that reliance on such alternatives is neither environmentally sustainable nor economically viable in the long run.

Unless fuel supplies stabilise and global tensions ease, stakeholders say the food-service industry, especially small businesses in hill regions, will continue to face mounting operational challenges.

LPG Gas Cylinder Crisis: LPG black marketing ‘strikes at root of public welfare’

A Delhi court recently denied anticipatory bail to an accused involved in the illegal procurement, transportation and black marketing of LPG cylinders, noting its adverse impact on “public distribution and safety”.

The order comes amid a deepening cooking gas crisis triggered by the conflict in West Asia.Additional Sessions Judge Vinod Kumar Gautam remarked that, “economic offences of this nature, committed in times of rising prices of essential commodities, strike at the very root of public welfare.”

The prosecution submitted before the court that the accused, Mukesh Kumar, from Jamia Nagar, was the key “conspirator and owner of the vehicle” used for transporting the cylinders. It further submitted that Kumar had not joined the investigation and had fled from the spot to evade apprehension and was using the “volatility in fuel prices and increased demand” to his advantage.

Hinting at a larger network, the prosecution argued that custodial interrogation was necessary to unearth the entire conspiracy. Opposing the bail plea, it pointed to the “serious economic and public safety implications” of the accused’s actions under section 7 of the Essential Commodities Act, adding, “such acts in times like this aggravate the gravity of the offence and directly affect the public.” Read more

LPG Gas Cylinder Crisis in India: Domestic LPG supply normal, no shortage, says IndianOil

Domestic LPG supply across India remains stable and adequate despite ongoing geopolitical developments impacting global energy markets, IndianOil said on Friday.

The company said LPG continues to be given top priority, with uninterrupted supplies being ensured to households across the country.

According to the statement, IndianOil is currently delivering around 28 lakh LPG cylinders daily, a figure in line with normal supply levels before the recent geopolitical tensions.

The corporation has also urged customers to use digital platforms such as SMS and IVRS for booking refills, noting that nearly 87 per cent of bookings are now made through digital modes. Deliveries are being carried out using Delivery Authentication Codes (DAC OTP) to ensure cylinders reach the intended customers.

IndianOil said it is actively addressing customer concerns raised on social media and has asked Indane customers to reach out through its official support channels for quick assistance.

The company acknowledged reports of malpractices by some LPG distributors, including black marketing and hoarding. In response, it has deployed multiple cross-functional teams to conduct surprise inspections. So far, more than 7,500 inspections have been carried out, with action taken against 141 distributors, including the suspension of five.

IndianOil added that it is working closely with other oil marketing companies and state governments to curb such practices. Around 68,000 raids have been conducted so far, leading to 855 FIRs and the seizure of over 48,000 cylinders.

Reassuring customers, IndianOil said there is no shortage of LPG in the country and advised against panic booking or stockpiling. Consumers were also urged not to believe rumours and to rely only on official sources of information.

The company reiterated its commitment to ensuring smooth LPG availability, transparency in distribution, and strict action against malpractices.

LPG Gas Cylinder Crisis in India: Delhi police assures strict action against hoarding, black marketing of LPG cylinders

Strict action is being taken against hoarding and black marketing of LPG cylinders in the national capital, Joint Commissioner of Police (Transport) Milind Mahadeo Dumbere said on Friday.

He said four new cases were registered on Thursday, taking the total number of cases to 27, and added that some people have also been arrested in connection with the violations.

"The Delhi Police is taking all legal action necessary regarding hoarding and block marketing (of LPG cylinders). Four cases were registered yesterday, and raids have been conducted. A total of 27 cases have been registered to date. Some arrests have also happened," he said.

Dumbere added that the police are continuing efforts to maintain law and order and ensure strict action against such illegal activities.

"Local police have been deployed at gas agencies to maintain a law and order situation. The Intelligence wing is also working to ensure action on intelligence input. Joint action takes place with the Department of Food Supplies and Consumer Affairs as and when needed," he added.

Earlier on Thursday, the government said it is pushing for the expansion of Piped Natural Gas (PNG) connections to reduce pressure on Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) supplies amid the ongoing crisis in West Asia.

Addressing an Inter-Ministerial Briefing on Recent Developments in West Asia, Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, said the government has taken several steps to promote PNG connections across the country.

"The Indian government has taken several steps to promote PNG connections. This is also important because it will help ease the pressure on LPG," Sharma said.

She also recalled that the government had issued an order encouraging states to promote PNG expansion through ease-of-doing-business measures.

"In this context, I would like to remind you that the Indian government had issued an order stating that 10 per cent additional commercial LPG will be provided if state governments promote PNG expansion through ease-of-doing-business measures," she said.

According to Sharma, several states have already benefited from the policy.

"Around eight states have been given additional allocation, and applications from three states have been received and are under consideration," she added.

LPG Crisis in India: Udupi Mutt to set up Rs 60 lakh biogas plant as LPG supplies tighten

Amid a nationwide LPG shortage due to the West Asia crisis, Udupi Sri Krishna Mutt has initiated the setup of a biogas plant at an estimated cost of Rs 60 lakh to meet the cooking gas needs of its kitchens.

The project was planned during the tenure of Sri Sugunendra Tirtha Swami of Paryaya Sri Puttige Mutt. Construction of a new, well-equipped unit using modern technology is now under way under the guidance of Sri Vedavardhana Tirtha Swami of Paryaya Shiroor Mutt.

The plant will use waste from the bhojana shalas and kitchens, and cow dung from the gau shala. It will also generate manure for use in the Mutt's gardens and agricultural fields.

LPG Gas Cylinder Crisis in India Live Updates: Delhi Police bust hoarding, black marketing racket; 50-year-old arrested, 75 cylinders seized

Delhi Police has busted an LPG cylinder hoarding and black marketing racket in the Bawana area, an officer said on Friday.

A 50-year-old man, identified as Anil, has been arrested and 75 cylinders seized, he said.

The accused was apprehended following a tip-off about the illegal storage and transportation of LPG cylinders in the industrial area.

Acting on the input, a police team laid a picket near District Park in Bawana on Thursday evening. Around 4 pm, a pickup truck was intercepted and checked, leading to the recovery of 27 LPG cylinders, including both domestic and commercial units.

"When questioned, the accused failed to produce any valid documents, including a licence, permit, stock register or proof of ownership for the cylinders," the officer said.

During interrogation, Anil revealed that more cylinders were stored at nearby premises. Based on his disclosure, police raided two rooms and an iron shed near a factory in the area.

LPG Crisis in India: Govt holds talks to boost induction heater production amid LPG supply concerns

Amid rising demand for induction heaters and compatible utensils due to LPG supply concerns following the West Asia crisis, the government on Friday held discussions on measures to boost production, an official said.

The crisis, which has disrupted the movement of oil and gas shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, has sparked fears over cooking gas availability and prompted a surge in purchases of induction heaters and related utensils.

The meeting was chaired by Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and attended by senior officials, including Power Secretary Pankaj Agarwal, DGFT Chief Lav Agarwal, and DPIIT Secretary Amardeep Singh Bhatia.

Kebab, biryani prices up 40%: LPG woes burn a hole in diners’ pockets

Lucknow's famous kebabs and biryanis are paying the price of the LPG crisis. With eateries in the Old City forced to return to traditional cooking methods such as coal, wood and diesel furnaces, the prices of famous food delicacies such as kebabs and biryanis have increased by 30-40%, much to the dismay of food connoisseurs.Owners, particularly in the old city, said irregular LPG availability has pushed them to switch to alternative fuels such as coal, firewood and diesel furnaces. They said these options are not only less efficient but also increase operational costs, leaving them with little choice but to raise menu prices. Faraz Ahmad, owner of a popular eatery, said prices of items such as kebabs and parathas were revised due to the higher cost of coal and additional labour required for traditional cooking methods. Read more

LPG Crisis in India Live: Hotel food prices soar in Puri

Shortage of cooking gas in Puri has started affecting the Puri’s tourism sector, with restaurants reducing items on the menu and increasing food prices by 30% to 40%. The situation has lead to a 10% to 20% decline in tourist arrivals, particularly among middle-class and budget travellers.Several food items requiring higher gas consumption have been removed from menus. While tourists from financially stronger backgrounds remain largely unaffected, the number of visitors from middle and lower income groups has dropped noticeably. “If the supply situation does not improve soon, the impact on tourism and local businesses could become more serious,” said hotel owners. Read more

LPG Crisis in India Live: Special provisions for weddings and temporary connections in Uttarakhand

The revised SOP introduces a provision for wedding ceremonies, which are allocated 660 cylinders (10%) daily. Each event can use a maximum of two commercial cylinders, requiring prior approval from the District Magistrate or designated authority. Once verified, distributors issue temporary connections, after which the quota reverts to the general category to prevent misuse.

Dehradun and Nainital receive the largest share of the wedding quota, with 176 cylinders each. Industrial allocations are concentrated mainly in Dehradun, Haridwar, and Udham Singh Nagar to support peak operational needs.

The measure ensures fair distribution during the tourist season while maintaining steady LPG supply across households, businesses, and essential services.

LPG Gas Shortage News: Uttarakhand govt revises SOP, raises commercial LPG allocation to 66%

To manage increasing demand and maintain supply balance, the Uttarakhand government has introduced a revised Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for commercial LPG distribution, replacing earlier guidelines. Food and Civil Supplies Secretary Anand Swaroop said the state secured an additional 6% quota for commercial LPG following efforts to promote PNG. Combined with a 20% central allocation, Uttarakhand’s total commercial LPG quota has risen from 40% to 66%.

The SOP ensures transparent, priority-based distribution to prevent shortages in key sectors, including the Char Dham Yatra, tourism, and industry. Under these rules, oil marketing companies will supply gas based on market share while keeping District Magistrates informed. The daily distribution is set at 6,310 cylinders across various categories.

Hotels and resorts are allocated 1,500 cylinders (24%), while restaurants and dhabas receive 2,000 (32%). Other allocations include 300 cylinders for government guest houses (5%), 200 each for homestays, self-help groups, and dairy units (3% each), and 1,250 cylinders (20%) for priority industries such as pharmaceuticals and hospitals. District-wise, Dehradun receives the largest share at 31%, followed by Haridwar and Nainital at 13% each, with remaining allocations distributed based on demand density.

LPG Crisis in India Live: A long queue of autorickshaws seen at an Auto LPG Dispensing Station in Bengaluru as autodrivers wait to get their vehicles refuelled. The Government of India has assured that there is an adequate availability of petrol, diesel, LPG, and PNG across the country.

LPG Crisis in India: Burners off, pressure rising at Ludhiana’s heritage dhabas; menus rewritten

The rhythmic clatter of spatulas and the hiss of high-pressure burners have fallen silent across the city as a debilitating shortage of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cripples its iconic dining culture.From high-street restaurants to the heritage "dhabas" (roadside eateries) of Railway Road, small business owners are being forced to abandon traditional menus and switch to primitive fuels to survive a crisis that has seen black-market prices for gas cylinders soar to Rs 4,000. The shortage is not just changing how food is cooked, but what is being served.At many establishments, the selection is now dictated by fuel efficiency rather than customer preference. "I have completely stopped making pizzas," said one eatery owner in Field Ganj. "A single oven would burn through a cylinder in 36 hours. I've shifted entirely to steaming momos — it's the only way to keep the pilot light on." Read more

LPG Gas Shortage News: Gas shortage leads to losses, smaller menus at Dehradun eateries

A two-day rapid survey conducted by the SDC Foundation in Dehradun has identified the ongoing gas cylinder crisis as a major stress point for the city’s food business ecosystem. The survey, carried out on March 25–26, 2026, covered 10 food and beverage outlets across Rajpur Road, including cafes, restaurants, sweet shops and a hotel. It found that all respondents expect prolonged supply disruptions, underlining the severity of the crisis.

Many of these establishments were already operating with limited customer volumes before the shortage. Six out of the 10 businesses reported serving fewer than 100 customers a day, making them particularly vulnerable to supply shocks. According to SDC Foundation founder Anoop Nautiyal, the scale of these businesses leaves them exposed to both operational disruptions and revenue losses.

A key finding of the survey is that 100% of the businesses reported being affected, with LPG remaining the primary fuel source across all outlets. The shortage has therefore directly impacted their ability to function. The study highlights that small-scale establishments are struggling to maintain operations under current conditions, with supply uncertainty emerging as the most pressing concern. Overall, the findings indicate that the LPG crisis is not just a temporary disruption but a significant challenge for the sustainability of Dehradun’s food business ecosystem.

LPG Crisis in India Live: LPG racket busted in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar; assets worth Rs 1.26 crore seized

Authorities have busted an LPG smuggling syndicate in Maharashtra’s Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district that siphoned gas from tankers, seizing assets worth over Rs 1.26 crore, an official said on Friday.

Acting on specific inputs, a team from the Maharashtra State Level Vigilance Cell conducted a late-night raid on April 2 at a secluded location in the Khojewadi Shivar area.

During the operation, led by vigilance cell head Ganesh Bellale, the team caught the accused red-handed while they were breaking the seals of HPCL (Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited) tankers to transfer gas into smaller commercial and domestic cylinders, the official said.

Two suspects were apprehended at the spot. The team seized two tankers (MH 43 K 5921 and MH 43 CK 5747) carrying a total of 35,220 kg of LPG, along with 26 cylinders, including both 19.2 kg commercial and 14.2 kg domestic units.

The total value of the seized assets is estimated at around Rs 1.26 crore. The recovered gas volume is equivalent to the monthly supply for nearly 2,480 underprivileged families, the official added.

LPG Crisis in India Live: Revenue losses mount as businesses cut menus and operations across Dehradun

The LPG shortage has caused substantial financial strain across Dehradun’s food sector, with businesses reporting sharp declines in earnings. According to the survey, around half of the establishments recorded a 25% to 50% drop in revenue, while some reported losses exceeding 50%. Others also noted smaller but still significant declines, indicating a broad-based economic impact.

To cope with the crisis, operators have begun making operational adjustments. Eight out of 10 businesses have reduced their menu offerings to conserve fuel, while some have cut working hours and others are managing with limited resources. These measures, though necessary, are starting to affect service quality and customer experience.

Despite rising input costs, most businesses have not significantly increased prices, largely due to competitive pressures and concerns about losing customers. However, the survey suggests that this approach may not be sustainable in the long term. Businesses are also adopting coping strategies such as using backup cylinders and exploring alternative cooking methods. Many outlets have started using induction cooktops and electric appliances, though only in a limited capacity.

The findings indicate that while businesses are showing resilience, their ability to sustain operations under prolonged stress is weakening, with operational compromises becoming increasingly unavoidable.

LPG Gas Shortage News: Costly oil, LPG shortfall burn hole in consumers’ pockets in Andhra Pradesh

The ongoing conflict in West Asia has begun to hit household budgets in Andhra Pradesh, with hotel food prices witnessing a sharp rise of nearly 30%. The dual impact of commercial cooking gas scarcity and soaring prices of essential commodities, particularly edible oils, has forced hoteliers to revise menu rates, leaving the lower middle class struggling. Hotel owners say the situation has become increasingly difficult over the past few weeks. "There is a severe shortage of commercial LPG cylinders. We are unable to get regular supplies, and in some cases, we are forced to procure them at higher prices from private sources," said Unnam Nagarjuna, hotel owner in the city. Another restaurateur, M Sundar Rao, added, "Cooking oil prices have gone up drastically. Whether it is sunflower oil or palm oil, the cost has increased beyond our margins. We have no option but to pass on the burden to customers."

LPG Gas Shortage News: No gas shortage, govt’s arrangements lacking, says Kamal Nath; BJP uses remark to corner Congress

Senior Congress leader Kamal Nath on Thursday said there is no shortage of gas in the country but the govt’s arrangements are lacking amid the West Asia crisis. BJP immediately used Nath's “no shortage of gas” statement to train its guns on the Congress, accusing the opposition of misleading the public and instilling fear to gain political mileage. While Congress has been highlighting long queues at fuel pumps and LPG cylinder distribution agencies to corner the Centre, the BJP-led NDA has been insisting there is no shortage. “There is no gas shortage in the country, but the government's arrangements are lacking. There is sufficientgas in the country, but an atmosphere is being created that is causing distress to the people. The government has completely failed in gas distribution,” said Nath. Union minister and senior BJP leader Jyotiraditya Scindia, in a post on X, said, “Now even Congress leaderKamal Nath has himself stated that there is no shortage of petrol, diesel, and gas in the country. Congress, which has been misleading the public for so long with lies and illusions, should be ashamed.” It is time for the Congress to stop trying to gain political mileage by instilling fear and distrust in the public, Scindia said. The BJP MP also took to X to claim that Nath “has exposed Rahul Gandhi's propaganda regarding LPG”. BJP and Congress on Thursday sparred over LPG and fuel availability, a day after the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi reviewed the impact of the West Asia crisis on essential supplies. Modi on Wednesday called for an “all-out effort” to safeguard the Indian citizens from the impact of the war in West Asia and stressed a timely and authentic public information system to ward off any misinformation or rumour-mongering.

LPG Gas Shortage News: Bakers achieve one-tonne hot cross bun target despite LPG shortage in Goa

Despite the commercial LPG shortage that has disrupted kitchens across hotels and restaurants, Goa’s baking community met its annual production target of nearly one tonne of hot cross buns this Maundy Thursday.According to members of the state’s bakers’ association, which comprises roughly 500 bakers across Goa, the shortage of commercial LPG, unavailable for nearly two weeks, posed a hurdle. Unlike their rural counterparts, who could fall back on traditional firewood ovens, urban bakers had limited alternatives.“In villages, shifting to firewood is manageable, but in cities it becomes extremely difficult,” president of the association, Agapito Menezes, said. “So, we transitioned largely to diesel-based induction cookers or ovens run on electricity to keep production going.”This swift adaptation ensured that output remained unaffected. As in previous years, approximately 20 bags of hot cross buns, each weighing 50kg, were produced across Goa, amounting to about 1,000 kg in total. Read more

LPG News: Eight LPG cylinders seized from Sirsa store

In view of the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel and to prevent the possible black-marketing of domestic cooking gas, the Food and Supplies Department conducted a surprise inspection at a Kiryana store located opposite the Toyota showroom on Dabwali Road, Sirsa. A team led by assistant food and supplies officer Rahul Kumar carried out the raid based on specific information. Inspectors Bhupesh Goyal and Anand Sharma were also part of the team. During the inspection, the team recovered two filled and six empty LPG cylinders from the premises. All the cylinders were seized and deposited with the concerned gas agency as part of the official action.

LPG Gas Shortage News: Auto wait gets longer after LPG price hike

Even as oil marketing companies (OMCs) have withdrawn the 10-litre cap on auto LPG refuelling across the city following an improvement in supply, commuters continue to face longer waiting times and higher fares, with auto operators scaling back services in response to rising fuel costs.The decision to remove the cap — introduced earlier to manage shortages — was expected to ease operations for auto drivers. "There is now no restriction on refuelling autos at LPG dispensing stations," an OMC official said, adding that supply conditions have stabilised across most parts of the city.However, the easing of supply has done little to immediately improve commuter experience. A fresh hike in auto fuel prices has led to a noticeable drop in the number of autos operating during non-peak hours. Even during office rush, availability has tightened as drivers adopt new operating strategies to offset rising costs."Most drivers are now unwilling to run unless they are sure of getting at least 50%-60% occupancy on their return trips," said an auto union representative. This has reduced the frequency of autos, particularly in off-peak hours, and led to longer queues at major stands. Read more

LPG Crisis in India Live: 51 LPG cylinders seized in Koraput district

Koraput district administration on Thursday seized 51 cylinders during raids conducted at three different locations. The raid was led by Jeypore tehsildar Sabyasachi Jena, who conducted inspections at two establishments in Jeypore town and one at Bariniput. Official sources said the action was part of administrative steps taken to check the misuse of subsidised domestic gas for commercial purposes."During the raids, it was found that the cylinders were being used in violation of norms, depriving genuine household consumers of essential cooking fuel. The seized cylinders have been taken into custody, and further investigation is underway to ascertain the extent of the illegal network," said Jena.Officials indicated that such enforcement drives will continue in the coming days as part of a sustained campaign to curb irregularities in LPG distribution. The administration has also warned of strict action against agencies and individuals found flouting regulations. The latest seizure underscores the district administration's intensified efforts to ensure fair distribution of essential commodities and to crack down on black-marketing and diversion practices.On Tuesday, the administration had seized 50 domestic cylinders during raids at various hotels and dhabas in the Borigumma area.