New Delhi: Several states including Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Punjab and Chhattisgarh have temporarily halted the supply of commercial gas amid a growing shortage, creating difficulties for restaurants, hotels and small food businesses.
The disruption has pushed many eateries and small hotels to the brink of closure. Restaurant and dhaba operators have urged the government to restore supply at the earliest, warning of serious losses to small businesses.
The Union government has meanwhile invoked the Essential Commodities Act, 1955 across the country after gas supplies through the Strait of Hormuz route were disrupted.
Following the move, gas distribution has been divided into four categories to ensure priority supply to essential sectors.
First category: Full supply
Domestic cooking gas (PNG) and compressed natural gas (CNG) used in vehicles will continue to receive full supply without any reduction.
Second category: Fertiliser plants
Fertiliser manufacturing units will receive around 70% of their required gas supply. However, they will have to provide proof that the gas is being used strictly for fertiliser production.
Third category: Large industries
Tea factories connected to the national gas grid and other large industries will be supplied around 80% of their gas requirement.
Fourth category: Small businesses and hotels
Small factories, hotels and restaurants connected to city gas networks will receive about 80% of their previous gas consumption.
In Punjab, the dispatch of commercial and large industrial cylinders has already been halted since March 8. Distributors have also been instructed not to accept bookings for domestic cylinders before 25 days.
