LPG Supply Ban: Oil marketing companies have reportedly instructed LPG distributors to supply commercial LPG cylinders only to hospitals and educational institutions for the time being. As a result, the supply of cylinders to hotels, restaurants, and other commercial establishments has been temporarily halted.
According to an internal communication reviewed by Moneycontrol, LPG distributors have been informed that under the latest directives from the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, non-domestic or commercial LPG cylinders should currently be supplied only to essential institutions such as hospitals and schools. Until further notice, hotels, restaurants, and other commercial businesses will not receive commercial LPG cylinder supplies.
Domestic LPG Booking Gap Increased
Along with the restrictions on commercial cylinders, there has also been a change in the booking rules for domestic LPG cylinders. Earlier, consumers could book the next cylinder within 21 days of the previous refill. The booking gap has now been extended to 25 days.
This change is expected to help authorities manage available LPG stock more efficiently during the current supply situation.
Supply of Commercial Cylinders Suspended
In another internal communication issued on March 8, oil marketing companies stated that the supply of non-domestic non-essential (NDNE) cylinders has been suspended until further notice.
The communication explained that the decision was taken due to disruptions in LPG imports and the worsening international situation affecting supply chains. Distributors have been instructed to inform all customers about the temporary suspension.
Officials have also asked divisional managers and sales teams to contact major customers directly and explain the situation. Distributors and business partners are expected to be updated regularly about product availability, and they will be notified once the supply situation improves.
Loading and Billing of Commercial Cylinders Stopped
An LPG distributor, speaking anonymously, said that both the loading and billing of commercial cylinders have been halted for now. According to the distributor, supplies will only resume after confirmation of a new LPG shipment.
Currently, the available LPG stock at bottling plants is being reserved mainly for domestic cylinders. Commercial cylinders are being supplied only in limited quantities for emergency services such as hospitals.
Supply Disruption Reported in Bengaluru
Distributors have also reported disruptions at the **Indian Oil Corporation Devanagothi terminal in Bengaluru. The shortage is reportedly linked to the delayed arrival of LPG shipments from Chennai and Mangaluru ports.
Due to the shortage of commercial LPG cylinders, the situation in Bengaluru has become increasingly difficult for businesses that depend on LPG for daily operations.
Hotels Warn of Possible Shutdown
The Bengaluru Hotels Association has warned that hotels may be forced to shut down if the supply of commercial LPG cylinders is not restored soon. According to the association, many restaurants and hotels rely entirely on LPG cylinders for cooking and daily operations.
Industry representatives have cautioned that prolonged disruptions could severely affect the hospitality sector.
Nationwide Supply Impact
LPG Supply Ban: Another LPG dealer stated that the bottling of commercial cylinders has been temporarily halted across the country. According to the dealer, commercial cylinder refilling stopped recently, and dispatches have been suspended nationwide.
The dealer added that the issue is not limited to Bengaluru and is affecting several regions across India. The government is expected to decide when commercial LPG supplies will resume once the availability of LPG improves and shipments arrive.
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