6,000 food outlets running on just 1,250 cylinders

Lokmat News Network

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar:

The supply of commercial LPG cylinders has remained suspended in both urban and rural areas since March 5, now nearing 20 days. During this period, several food outlets have continued operations using coal-fired and diesel stoves.

Official figures indicate that around 1,250 commercial cylinders are required daily. However, with nearly 6,000 registered food-cooking outlets in the district (as per the Food and Drug Administration), questions are being raised about how these establishments are functioning. The significant mismatch between the number of outlets and available cylinders has led to suspicions that domestic LPG cylinders may be illegally diverted for commercial use. The District Supply Office’s actions so far appear inadequate.

Persistent shortage of domestic cylinders

Meanwhile, long queues at gas agencies for domestic LPG cylinders continue. The online booking system remains inconsistent, and even after booking, consumers often wait over a week for delivery. Amid such shortages, concerns are growing over how food outlets are managing operations without commercial gas supplies. Initially, businesses feared disruption due to the halt in commercial supply, but now it is primarily domestic consumers who are facing difficulties.

6,000 registered establishments in the district

According to the assistant commissioner (Food and Drugs Administration), Dayanand Patil, “ There are approximately 6,000 online registered food establishments in the district, including about 2,000 in rural areas and 4,000 in the city comprising hotels, restaurants, food production units, catering services, canteens, and dhabas.”

Daily requirement of 1,250 commercial cylinders

The city alone requires around 1,250 commercial cylinders per day. However, supply has remained halted since March 5, and no fresh instructions have been issued regarding its resumption, the District Supply Office (DSO) stated.

Enforcement Actions by the DSO:

March 15: 62 hotels inspected; 3 domestic cylinders seized

March 16: 167 hotels inspected; 38 domestic cylinders seized

March 17: 59 hotels inspected; 8 domestic cylinders seized

March 18: From Aegis Ampules & Vials Ltd., Waluj—229 empty domestic and 167 commercial cylinders seized.

March 18: 51 hotels inspected; 7 domestic cylinders seized, along with 76 cylinders near Shahnoormiyan Dargah Chowk.

Policy decision yet to be implemented

The central government recently decided to increase the allocation of commercial LPG cylinders to industries and businesses by up to 50%. The Ministry of Petroleum issued a letter to the state government on March 22 regarding this decision. However, as of Tuesday, no directives had been received by the district authorities regarding implementation.