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Jharkhand Minister Urges Centre to Restore Commercial LPG for Hotels, Canteens

Jharkhand's Food Minister Irfan Ansari has written to the Union Petroleum Minister seeking urgent restoration of commercial LPG cylinder supply to industrial canteens and hotels. He highlighted that the shortage is crippling operations at industrial units like USHA Martin Ltd., where canteens cannot provide meals to workers. Ansari also warned that the hospitality sector, which supplies food to hospitals, faces severe business and livelihood impacts. The shortage occurs amid global energy supply chain disruptions, with the government prioritizing domestic household supply.

Key Points: Jharkhand Seeks Commercial LPG Supply Restoration Amid Shortage

  • Minister warns of industrial canteen crisis
  • Hospitality sector livelihoods at risk
  • Supply suspended except for hospitals, schools
  • Shortage linked to global energy disruptions
  • Restaurant association issues advisory
2 min read

Jharkhand minister Irfan Ansari writes to Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri seeking restoration of commercial LPG supply

Jharkhand minister writes to Centre over LPG shortage, warning of impact on industrial canteens, hotels, and workers' food security.

"The lack of food security could disrupt the operation of industrial units, potentially impacting the nation's industrial progress. - Irfan Ansari"

Ranchi, March 11

Jharkhand Minister for Food and Civil Supplies Irfan Ansari has written to Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri, urging the Centre to restore the supply of commercial LPG cylinders to industrial canteens and hotels in the state amid growing concerns over shortages affecting businesses and workers.

In his letter, Ansari highlighted that reports from newspapers and other sources indicated disruptions in the availability of commercial LPG cylinders in Jharkhand. Following these reports, the state government conducted a review, which suggested that commercial LPG supply had been suspended in several locations, except for essential institutions such as hospitals and schools.

The minister pointed out that industrial establishments in Ranchi and other parts of the state are already facing operational challenges due to the shortage. Citing requests from institutions including USHA Martin Ltd., Ranchi, he said industrial canteens are struggling to provide meals to workers because commercial LPG cylinders are not being supplied.

"Industrial canteens are not receiving commercial LPG cylinders, making it difficult for workers to arrange meals. The lack of food security could disrupt the operation of industrial units, potentially impacting the nation's industrial progress," Ansari stated in the letter.

He also warned that the disruption of LPG supply could severely affect the hospitality sector in Jharkhand. According to Ansari, hotels across the state rely heavily on commercial LPG cylinders for food preparation, and many also supply meals to hospitals and other essential institutions.

"The disruption of commercial LPG cylinder supplies to hotels will impact the hotel business and the livelihoods of those involved, and could also affect the general public," the minister added, urging the Centre to direct authorities to restore supply to industrial canteens and hotels.

Meanwhile, the National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI) has issued an advisory to its members, warning of possible disruptions in LPG supply and urging restaurants to adopt fuel conservation and operational continuity measures to safeguard business stability and employment.

The shortage of commercial LPG cylinders comes amid disruptions in global energy supply chains due to the escalating conflict in West Asia. The Union government has prioritised domestic LPG supply for households and essential services while working to stabilise the energy market under provisions of the Essential Commodities Act.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
While the global supply chain issues are real, the prioritization is correct. Households and hospitals must come first. However, a complete suspension for hotels and canteens seems extreme. There must be a middle path to support businesses and jobs too.
P
Priyanka N
Good to see a state minister taking proactive steps. The hospitality sector employs so many people in Jharkhand. If hotels shut down, it's not just owners who suffer but waiters, cooks, cleaners... entire families. Hope the Union Minister responds quickly.
A
Aman W
The NRAI advisory shows how widespread the problem is. Restaurants are already struggling post-pandemic. This is another blow. Maybe time to explore alternative energy sources for commercial kitchens in the long run?
K
Karthik V
With respect, I feel the state government could have planned better. They knew about global tensions. Couldn't they have built a buffer stock for essential commercial users? Now writing letters when the crisis hits seems reactive, not proactive.
M
Michael C
The connection to the West Asia conflict is key. India's energy security is paramount. Tough choices have to be made during a global shortage. Prioritizing households is the right call, but I hope a solution for commercial users is found soon.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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