Shortage of commercial LPG gives sleepless nights to consumers
   Date :11-Mar-2026

Shortage of commercial LPG gives sleepless nights to consumers
 
 
Business Reporter :
City police launch drive against LPG cylinder black-marketing 
 
Staff Reporter :
 
Small eateries, tea stalls, roadside dhabas worst affected

Business Reporter
Industrial units, restaurants, hotels, eateries and other commercial category consumers across the city are facing severe shortage of LPG for the past couple of days. Many industrialists, restaurant and hotel owners on Tuesday told The Hitavada that they are running from pillar to post to get an LPG refill. The worst-affected are the consumers running small eateries, tea stalls, roadside dhabas and restaurants, many of whom are left with no other option but to shut down their businesses in a day or two.
Even as the State-owned oil marketing companies have hiked the price of 19-kg commercial category LPG cylinder from Rs 1915 to Rs 2059 with effect from March 7, the consumers are struggling to get the refill.
Sources said that the supply of commercial cylinders has dropped significantly and the situation is getting worse every passing day.
 
Highlighting the gravity of the LPG shortage, an owner of a tea stall located in Sitabuldi said he will not be able to operate the stall on March 11. “In spite of repeated attempts, I could not get the refill,” he said.
Expressing concern over the issue, Tejinder Singh Renu, President of Nagpur Residential Hotels Association (NRHA), said “If this shortage continues, many eateries and restaurants may be forced to suspend operations within a week due to the unavailability of commercial LPG. Such a situation would also affect business travellers and tourists, who rely on hospitality services during their visits. Any disruption in food services could discourage travel and may sharply impact hotel occupancy levels as well,” he said. The impact of the ongoing conflict in West Asia is being felt in India, particularly through disruptions in the supply of LPG cylinders, which are an essential requirement for the hospitality industry.
 
Hotels, restaurants and catering services depend heavily on commercial LPG for their daily operations. Any disruption in supply directly affects the functioning of these establishments and the services they provide to thousands of customers every day. “We request the authorities to keep in mind the operational needs of the hospitality sector while issuing any regulatory orders regarding the supply of commercial LPG cylinders, so that the industry can continue to function smoothly,” Renu added.
 
‘Restriction on LPG supply to create a grave situation for several MSMEs’ 
 
The MIDC Industries Association (MIA), Nagpur has also expressed serious concern over shortage of LPG. P Mohan, President of the association said a large number of industries operating in the Hingna MIDC Industrial Area are heavily dependent on LPG as a primary fuel for various manufacturing processes. “Any abrupt restriction on LPG supply is likely to create a grave situation for several MSME units and may disrupt normal industrial operations,” he said. Many industries in sectors such as engineering, food processing, powder coating, pharmaceuticals, fabrication and packaging rely on LPG due to its clean combustion, consistent heating and operational efficiency. At present, several units do not have access to alternative fuel options such as Piped Natural Gas (PNG). The association fears that the restriction may lead to production disruptions, increased operational costs and supply chain disturbances, thereby creating a chain reaction across the industrial ecosystem. This may adversely affect productivity, employment and the overall industrial environment in the Hingna MIDC area.