The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has introduced new restrictions on LPG distribution across India, including a mandatory 25-day gap between domestic cylinder bookings, as part of measures to manage supply disruptions linked to tensions in West Asia.
The decision is aimed at preventing hoarding and black marketing of LPG cylinders, while ensuring priority supply to domestic households and essential institutions. For cities like Guwahati, where restaurants, hotels, and roadside eateries depend heavily on commercial LPG, the policy could intensify concerns over cooking fuel availability.
Local restaurant operators say the situation is already becoming challenging as commercial LPG supplies remain tight across the country.
The Union Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has mandated a 25-day gap between LPG cylinder bookings and prioritised domestic supply following disruptions in global fuel supply linked to the West Asia conflict. The policy could affect restaurants and commercial establishments in cities like Guwahati that rely heavily on LPG for daily operations.
Government Introduces Measures to Stabilise LPG Supply
To manage the supply disruption, the ministry has directed oil refineries across India to increase LPG production. The additional output is expected to be diverted mainly toward domestic household consumption.
Officials said the move is necessary to maintain a stable cooking gas supply for households amid global energy uncertainty.
The government has also instructed that non-domestic LPG sourced from imports be prioritised for essential sectors, including:
- Hospitals
- Educational institutions
- Emergency services
These sectors will receive priority access to LPG cylinders during the ongoing supply disruption.
Impact of West Asia Conflict on Fuel Supply
The fuel supply challenges have been linked to geopolitical tensions in West Asia, which escalated on February 28 following military strikes involving the United States and Israel targeting Iran.
According to reports, the strikes resulted in the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, after which Iran retaliated with attacks targeting US positions in the region and Israel.
The conflict has triggered volatility in global energy supply chains, affecting the availability of LPG imports used by several countries, including India.
Restaurants and Hotels Under Pressure
The shortage of commercial LPG cylinders has already begun affecting restaurants, hotels, and small eateries across several Indian cities.
In Guwahati, restaurant owners say cooking gas supply is crucial for daily operations, especially for establishments that serve hundreds of customers each day.
Small eateries, roadside food vendors, and mid-sized restaurants are particularly vulnerable because they rely on regular deliveries of LPG cylinders.
Industry groups across India warn that if commercial LPG supply does not improve soon, restaurants may be forced to:
- Reduce operating hours
- Limit menu options
- Temporarily suspend operations
Committee Formed to Review Commercial LPG Requests
To manage the limited supply of LPG for commercial use, the ministry has formed a special committee consisting of three senior executives from state-run oil marketing companies.
The committee will review supply requests from commercial users, such as:
- Restaurants
- Hotels
- Industrial units
- Catering businesses
This review process aims to ensure that available LPG is distributed to sectors based on priority and necessity.
What This Means for Guwahati
Guwahati’s growing hospitality and food sector depends heavily on LPG for cooking and food preparation.
If supply disruptions continue, restaurants and eateries in the city could face operational challenges similar to those reported in other metropolitan areas.
However, authorities say the current measures are intended to stabilise supply and ensure that households and critical institutions continue to receive cooking gas during the ongoing fuel crisis.
What Happens Next
The government has indicated that the new measures will remain in place until LPG supply stabilises.
Refineries are expected to increase output in the coming weeks, while the newly formed committee will assess commercial LPG distribution requests.
For businesses in Guwahati’s hospitality sector, the coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether the shortage remains manageable or escalates into a broader operational challenge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why has the government introduced a 25-day gap for LPG bookings?
The government introduced the rule to prevent hoarding and black marketing of LPG cylinders while ensuring that domestic households continue to receive an uninterrupted cooking gas supply.
Will the LPG shortage affect restaurants in Guwahati?
Yes, if commercial LPG supplies remain limited, restaurants, hotels, and small eateries in Guwahati could face fuel shortages, which may affect operations and service availability.