Monitor LPG supply, prevent hoarding: Centre to states

Amid a shortage of commercial LPG cylinders in the country due to the widening conflict in West Asia, the Centre has asked the states and Union territories to keep an eye on LPG supply in their respective jurisdictions, and prevent any hoarding or black marketing of cylinders, officials said on Wednesday.
Home Secretary Govind Mohan virtually chaired a meeting convened after reports of a shortage of gas cylinders started coming in from various parts of the country, which was attended by chief secretaries, officials of the consumer affairs ministry and DGPs, they said.
Mohan told the officials to monitor the supply of LPG cylinders and ensure that no hoarding or black marketing takes place to pump up the prices, the officials said.
DGPs were told to ensure that there is no breakdown in law and order in the sale and distribution of domestic LPG cylinders, while the chief secretaries were told to take regular reports from police and other officials on the evolving situation and brief police on the instructions from the Centre, they said. The home secretary also told the officials to take steps to curb any kind of rumour-mongering about the purported fuel shortage in the country, they added.
Restaurants improvise as LPG shortage bites: From induction cooktops and microwaves to firewood and solar options, restaurants, street food vendors and catering businesses across the country are scrambling for alternatives as a shortage of commercial LPG cylinders begins to disrupt kitchens amid the widening conflict in West Asia.
With the government prioritising domestic cooking gas supply to households as the war disrupts global fuel lifelines, businesses dependent on commercial LPG — from small eateries to high-end restaurants — are watching the situation anxiously, with some even staring at possible closure in the days to come.
In national capital Delhi, irregular LPG supply has gripped kitchens across the city and many restaurants are left with stock for a day or two, fearing temporary closure and concerns over staff wages. Industry representatives say many eateries in the capital are trying to manage the situation through adjustments.