As oil firms squeeze commercial, industrial LPG supply, Punjab industry feels the heat

Under the new guidelines, domestic consumers cannot book LPG refills within 25 days of their previous delivery. Although the order applies nationwide, its effects are beginning to be felt in Punjab, where a large portion of the industrial and hospitality sectors depend on commercial LPG cylinders.

T R Mishra, chairman of the Focal Point Industrial Association in Ludhiana, said around 60 per cent of Punjab’s industry is located in the city. “These orders are going to affect the steel and fabrication-based industries. As of now units are not feeling the immediate impact because they still have some stock, but they have been told that fresh dispatch has been halted temporarily. We urge the Centre to find an alternative arrangement to ensure smooth supply of commercial and industrial LPG cylinders.” Prolonged disruption could raise raw material costs and contribute to inflation. The hospitality sector is also monitoring the situation closely, as hotels and restaurants rely heavily on commercial LPG cylinders.

Amarveer Singh, president of Hotel & Restaurant Industry Association of Punjab, said most establishments still have sufficient stock. “At present, most hotels and restaurants have around a month’s supply of LPG cylinders. We are hopeful that the situation will stabilise before the existing stock runs out.”