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Bengaluru Businesses Shut as LPG Crisis Hits 50,000 Cylinder Daily Shortage

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has urgently written to Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri over a critical shortage of commercial LPG in Bengaluru. The state is receiving only 1,000 cylinders against a daily demand of 50,000, forcing many businesses and hotels to halt operations. The crisis is set against a backdrop of global tensions in West Asia, which are disrupting energy supplies and trade logistics. The central government has announced a financial relief package for exporters affected by these regional disruptions.

Key Points: Karnataka CM Seeks Urgent Help for Bengaluru LPG Shortage

  • Severe commercial LPG shortage in Bengaluru
  • Supply meets only 2% of daily demand
  • CM seeks urgent central intervention
  • Global West Asia tensions disrupt energy trade
  • Govt announces relief for affected exporters
3 min read

Karnataka CM writes to Hardeep Singh Puri as commercial LPG shortage forces Bengaluru businesses to 'shut'

CM Siddaramaiah writes to Hardeep Singh Puri as commercial LPG shortage forces Bengaluru hotels and businesses to shut down.

"The situation remains critical - forcing businesses and hotels to shut down. - Siddaramaiah"

New Delhi, March 20

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday wrote to Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, seeking urgent intervention to tackle the severe shortage of commercial LPG in Bengaluru, which has disrupted supply and livelihoods across the state.

In a post on X, CM Siddaramaiah wrote, the state is currently receiving just 1,000 cylinders per day against a demand of around 50,000, forcing businesses and hotels to halt operations despite government measures to prioritise supply for essential sectors.

"I have written to the Union Petroleum Minister HardeepSPuri seeking urgent intervention to address the severe shortage of commercial LPG in Bengaluru, which is impacting supply and livelihoods across Karnataka," Karnataka CM said.

He added, "The State Government has already taken steps to regulate and prioritise supply for essential sectors. However, with demand at around 50,000 cylinders and supply limited to just 1,000 per day, the situation remains critical - forcing businesses and hotels to shut down. I have requested immediate allocation support to ensure adequate availability of commercial and auto LPG for Karnataka."

Meanwhile, India is actively engaging with global partners to safeguard its energy security and the safety of Indian nationals in the Gulf as tensions in West Asia continue to disrupt trade and logistic.

In view of the disruptive situations, the Central government has also announced a financial relief package of Rs 497 crores aimed at helping exporters affected by disruptions in West Asia.

Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the ongoing situation has posed challenges for countries across the world.

"It has been a testing time for not just us, but for the entire global community. Our leaders have been in touch with their counterparts," Jaiswal said.

India is continuing to coordinate with stakeholders to ensure uninterrupted energy supplies and the safety of its citizens in the Gulf region, he added.

Two Indian-flagged LPG carriers have safely crossed the Strait of Hormuz before arriving in India on March 16 and 17. MT Shivalik and MT Nanda Devi - carrying approximately 92,712 metric tonnes of LPG- crossed the Strait of Hormuz early Friday (March 13, 2026).

There has been an escalation in the West Asia conflict that began on February 28 with the killing of 86-year-old Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in joint military strikes by the US and Israel. Iran, in retaliation, is targeting Israeli and US assets in several Gulf countries. Iran has virtually closed the Strait of Hormuz, a critical transit route for global energy supply.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
While the global situation with the Strait of Hormuz is concerning, domestic distribution seems to be the bigger failure here. Why is Karnataka getting only 2% of its requirement? Other states might be facing issues too, but this level of shortage in a major metro needs immediate explanation from the oil companies.
P
Priyanka N
It's good that the CM has written to the Centre, but this problem has been building for a week. The common man suffers - from the hotel worker who loses daily wages to the office-goer who can't find an affordable lunch. Hope the relief package for exporters also considers these small businesses.
A
Aman W
The article connects the dots to the West Asia crisis. If Hormuz is closed, it affects everything. We need long-term energy security plans beyond just crisis management. Jai Hind, but our planning must be better.
K
Kavya N
Feeling the pinch! Our catering business is at a standstill. While we understand international tensions, there must be buffer stocks for such situations. The government's priority for essential sectors is right, but what about the thousands of 'non-essential' businesses that feed families?
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Michael C
A respectful criticism: The communication on this has been poor. People are hearing about the shortage only when their cylinder doesn't arrive. The oil marketing companies and state government should have issued a clear advisory and timeline for resolution. Transparency reduces panic.

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

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