Union Minister of State Shobha Karandlaje asks the general public not to panic as she assures that the Government of India is closely monitoring and actively working to address the LPG shortage amid the global supply disruptions caused by the ongoing conflict in West Asia.
On Tuesday, there were reports of hotels and restaurants being affected by the LPG shortage, especially in Karnataka state.
Addressing the media here, Karandlaje said the Centre is aware of the concerns raised by hotel associations across Karnataka and other parts of the nation regarding the availability of commercial LPG cylinders.
"No one should panic. Our government is committed to resolving the problems faced by hotels in Bengaluru. People should also cooperate with us while keeping the global situation in mind. We are also working to bring back Indians, including Kannadigas, from the regions where the war is taking place. Our government is committed to resolving the various problems arising in our country due to the war, and I request the state governments to cooperate in this effort," Karandlaje said.
“Hotel associations from Karnataka and various other parts of the country have brought the issue of commercial LPG shortage to our notice through letters and telephone calls. A major political conflict is currently taking place in the world. India is not self-reliant in crude oil because it is a natural resource that is not sufficiently available in our country. About 80-90% of India's crude oil requirement depends on the Middle East," she said.
Karandlaje added that disruptions in the region have reduced crude oil supplies to India, resulting in constraints in petroleum product availability, adding that she has already flagged the issue to Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri.
"Yesterday, I spoke with Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, and today I personally met him and informed him about the problems faced by hotel owners in Karnataka and other parts of the country," she said.
Meanwhile, restaurant owners have expressed concern over the shortage. Aleem Khan, owner of Sofi Kababs House in Hyderabad, said, "We are facing a lot of problems with the prices of cylinders. For the past two days, we have not been able to get a commercial cylinder. If we don't get a cylinder, our business will be ruined.”
Khan urged the government to ensure a steady supply.
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