A growing commercial LPG shortage in Bengaluru has prompted intervention from the Karnataka High Court, raising concerns across the hospitality sector. The court recently directed both the central and state governments to provide detailed information regarding LPG allocation and supply disruptions affecting the city.
The issue came to light after hotel and restaurant associations filed a petition highlighting severe shortages. According to industry representatives, the allocation of around 1,000 commercial LPG cylinders for the entire state is grossly inadequate, especially considering Bengaluru alone has tens of thousands of food establishments.
As a result, several eateries have been forced to reduce operations or temporarily shut down, impacting not only business owners but also nearly six lakh workers dependent on the sector. The ripple effect has extended to allied industries such as poultry, dairy, and vegetable supply chains.
The shortage is believed to be linked to global disruptions, particularly geopolitical tensions affecting fuel supply routes. However, stakeholders argue that better contingency planning and distribution management could have minimized the crisis.
The High Court has asked authorities to respond with clarity on stock levels, allocation strategies, and steps being taken to stabilize supply. The next hearing is expected to play a crucial role in determining immediate relief measures.
This situation underscores the vulnerability of urban economies like Bengaluru to supply chain shocks. With the food and hospitality sector being a major contributor to the city’s economy, ensuring uninterrupted LPG supply has become an urgent priority.
News as reported
