A cook prepares food amid a shortage of commercial LPG cylinders at the Fort in Mumbai, Wednesday, March 18, 2026. | Photo credit: PTI
The state government has increased the supply of commercial liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) by 20 percentage points, taking the allocation to 50 per cent of the pre-crisis level, on the directive of the Union Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. The move is meant to ease accessibility for hotels, restaurants and food-related businesses.
Minister of State for Food and Civil Supplies Chhagan Bhujbal on Sunday (March 22, 2026) announced that the supply of commercial gas would be increased by 20% as per the central government order.
The Union Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas issued a notification on March 21 that the state-sanctioned LPG ration has been fixed at 30% of pre-crisis levels. With the increase from March 23 until further orders, the allocation will reach 50% of these levels.
Priority for additional supplies will be given to hotels, dhabas, restaurants, industrial canteens, food industry and dairy sector. Subsidized canteens and community kitchens run by the state government or local self-government bodies along with schemes for migrant workers will also be included in the increased allocation.
Mr. Bhujbal said the decision would provide relief to hotel and food service professionals who were facing shortage of commercial LPG. He added that business operators seeking supply must register with oil marketing companies and apply for natural gas (PNG) connections.
Separate decisions regarding the distribution of kerosene have been announced. Pending licenses will be considered automatically renewed without any charge. Licenses will be transferred to legal heirs through simplified processes. In villages where licensed kerosene retail dealers are not available, Fair Price Shop operators will be given licenses as authorized kerosene dealers.
A government order issued on March 20 directed district collectors to take the required steps.
Published – 22 March 2026 23:40 IST
