Raigad, March 24: The Central Government has taken a significant decision to enhance the supply of commercial LPG across the country by increasing the quota allocated to states by up to 50 per cent.
The move is expected to provide major relief to hotels, restaurants, dhabas as well as various industrial sectors that depend heavily on LPG for daily operations.
The decision has been communicated to all states through a letter issued by Petroleum and Natural Gas Secretary Dr Neeraj Mittal to the Chief Secretaries.
Raigad District Collector Kishan Jawale stated that the revised allocation will be implemented in accordance with the directions issued by the state government.
Under the revised policy, the earlier quota allocated to states had already been increased by 10 per cent over the base 20 per cent allocation. With an additional 20 per cent increase now approved, the total supply of commercial LPG has effectively reached around 50 per cent, significantly improving availability.
The decision is expected to benefit a wide range of sectors, including hotels, restaurants, roadside eateries, industrial canteens, food processing units, dairy businesses and government-supported food centres.
Additionally, priority has been given to the supply of 5 kg FTL cylinders, which are widely used by migrant workers.
The government has also introduced certain conditions to regulate the use of the increased supply. All commercial and industrial consumers are required to register with the respective oil marketing companies.
Details such as annual consumption and business category must be submitted to ensure proper monitoring and to prevent misuse of LPG.
In areas where piped natural gas facilities are available, consumers are expected to apply for PNG connections.
The government has expressed confidence that the decision will help ease fuel shortages in the commercial sector and provide substantial support to both industry and service segments.