Gas companies have been instructed to ensure domestic household supply is not disrupted under any circumstances, as per an advisory issued by the Centre, Bhujbal, the state’s minister of food, civil supplies and consumer protection, said in a statement.
“While the directive focuses on household consumption, it could indirectly affect the availability of gas for commercial establishments such as hotels and restaurants,” he added.
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Referring to reports from other states, Bhujbal said some hotels in Karnataka were facing disruptions, and similar concerns had been raised in Gujarat.
Hotel owners have urged the government not to completely stop commercial supply and suggested that, if necessary, it be reduced partially instead, he said.
“If gas supply to hotels is stopped completely, many establishments may have to shut down. Switching to alternatives such as kerosene would require significant changes in infrastructure and could pose operational risks,” Bhujbal pointed out.
The minister said he has spoken to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on the issue.
“The government will review the situation and attempt to find a balanced approach so that domestic consumers are not affected while difficulties faced by commercial establishments are addressed,” he said.
Also Read: Mahanagar Gas flags supply cuts as global energy turmoil hits industrial, commercial gas availability
In a daily update on the impact of the West Asia situation, the Union government on Sunday said priority sectors continue to receive protected natural gas supplies, including 100% supply for piped natural gas (PNG or natural gas piped to households for cooking purposes) and compressed natural gas (CNG).
Supplies to industrial and commercial users have been regulated at about 80%, it said.
Commercial LPG cylinders have been placed at the disposal of state governments for priority distribution and are now available in 30 states and Union Territories, while authorities have stepped up raids and inspections to curb hoarding and black-marketing, the update informed.
India imports about 88% of its crude oil, 50% of its natural gas and 60% of its LPG needs. Before the US-Israel strikes on Iran on February 28 and Tehran’s retaliation, more than half of India’s crude imports, about 30% of gas and 85-90% of LPG imports came from West Asian countries, such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
The conflict has led to a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, the main transit route for Gulf energy supplies.
(Edited by : Priyanka Deshpande)
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