LPG crisis deepens in Punjab: Long queues outside gas stations, closure looms large on eateries
In addition, several gas agencies were temporarily shut down due to the overcrowding and shortage of domestic LPG cylinders.
PTC News Desk: The ongoing Middle East conflict has triggered a widespready energy crisis with the impact being seen in Punjab and Chandigarh as well. The supply of commercial LPG cylinders has been halted at several places while people are facing difficulties in booking domestic cylinders.
In addition, several gas agencies were temporarily shut down in Amritsar due to the overcrowding and shortage of domestic LPG cylinders.
Similar scenes were witnessed in Chandigarh too with long queues formed outside gas stations with people seemingly helpless walking along with empty cyllinders. According to the residents, the booking period has also been extended to 30 days.
In Mohali, residents are also struggling to get gas cylinders. People have been lining up outside gas agencies early in the morning. Many claim that even domestic cylinders booked nearly 20 days ago have still not been delivered to their homes. This has directly affected household kitchens, forcing several families to struggle with cooking.
In Moga, the server is also down, causing issues with bookings through the app. Hotel owners said they are now looking for alternative options due to the gas shortage. Some establishments are trying to run their kitchens using diesel or other fuels, but this method is expensive and not entirely effective.
Meanwhile Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann directed all the deputy commissioners to ensure that there is no shortage of LPG gas anywhere in Punjab.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said that instructions have been issued to all deputy commissioners to ensure that there is no shortage of LPG gas anywhere in Punjab. He also warned against hoarding and selling cyllinders on the black market.
Meanwhile, Arun Gupta, president of the LPG Dealers Association, said there is no shortage of domestic gas cylinders. He claimed that every agency has adequate stock, but deliveries are being affected because bookings are not showing on the portal. He added that agencies cannot send cylinders to customers without verifying their bookings.
Meanwhile, the National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI), Indian Hotel and Restaurant Association (AHAR), Bengaluru Hotels Association, Chennai Hotels Association, Chennai Tea Shops Association, the Hotel & Restaurant Association of Odisha (HRAO), and several hoteliers have warned that non-availability of cooking gas would force many units to shut their shops.
“The restaurant industry is predominantly dependent on commercial LPG for its operations,” NRAI said in a statement. “Any disruption therein will lead to a catastrophic closure of majority of restaurants.”