A sudden lack of LPG cylinders in Pune is impacting both homes and food businesses in the city. Residents are having trouble booking domestic cylinders, while restaurants and food vendors are finding it hard to operate due to a shortage of commercial LPG supplies.

In recent days, many people have reported issues when trying to book gas cylinders. Several residents have mentioned that the phone numbers for booking LPG refills are unresponsive, which has forced them to go to gas agencies in person.

This has resulted in long lines outside LPG agencies in various parts of Pune and nearby areas as customers try to get cylinders.

Restaurants are facing uncertainty in their operations.

The situation is particularly worrying for the hospitality industry. Hotels, restaurants, small eateries, and street food vendors rely heavily on commercial LPG cylinders for their daily cooking needs.

Due to limitations on the supply of commercial cylinders, some popular eateries in the city have reportedly had to temporarily close, while others warn they might have to stop services if the shortage persists.

Industry representatives indicate that many businesses have only a small gas reserve left and are uncertain about how long they can keep serving customers.

PNG supply remains uninterrupted.

Despite the shortage, piped natural gas (PNG) provided by Maharashtra Natural Gas Limited (MNGL) is operating normally in areas with existing connections. Hotels and establishments with PNG connections have not reported any operational problems so far.

In light of the crisis, MNGL recently organized a meeting with hotel operators who do not yet have PNG connections. Approximately 150 to 200 hotel owners participated in the discussion, where the company assured them that the process of providing PNG connections would be expedited.

Efforts to increase PNG connections

MNGL officials have also mentioned that they might provide concessions on the security deposit needed for PNG connections, with the goal of encouraging more restaurants to transition from LPG.

The company has started to prioritize urgent connection requests from hotels and restaurants so they can keep operating without relying on LPG cylinders.

Government states that domestic supply should stay stable

Authorities have indicated that the current limitations mainly concern commercial LPG cylinders, and domestic gas supplies are not anticipated to experience significant disruptions.

Nevertheless, many households report that they are still facing delays and challenges in getting cylinders for their regular cooking needs.