Bengaluru, March 18 (NationPress) K.H. Muniyappa, the Karnataka Food and Civil Supplies Minister, addressed the Legislative Council on Wednesday, highlighting the state's shortage of commercial LPG cylinders. He called on hotel operators and other commercial users to extend their cooperation for a week until new supplies can be delivered.

The minister explained that current restrictions and supply challenges mean only a limited number of commercial cooking gas cylinders can be allocated to hotels, restaurants, industries, and dhabas.

According to Muniyappa, Karnataka requires approximately 40,000 commercial LPG cylinders daily, but currently only around 1,000 cylinders can be distributed to hotels. He expressed optimism that the situation would improve once vessels carrying LPG reach the shores of India.

He stated, "There are sixteen ships lined up in Iran. Once they arrive, the issue will be resolved. The Centre is negotiating with Iran to tackle this problem. If stakeholders can manage for a week, we believe normal operations will resume soon."

The minister also mentioned that he organized a meeting with hotel proprietors, urging them to temporarily consider alternate cooking methods, such as electric cooking systems.

"I urge hotel owners through this forum that we are in a critical situation. They should utilize electric sources and manage for a week. We will strive to arrange between 10,000 and 15,000 cylinders and engage in discussions with associations regarding distribution," he said.

Muniyappa also announced another meeting with stakeholders scheduled for next Monday to assess the situation.

He clarified that there is no shortage of LPG cylinders intended for domestic use in the state. He noted that over 300,000 domestic LPG cylinders are utilized daily in Karnataka, with supply continuing uninterrupted.

"In Karnataka, approximately 352,921 domestic cylinders are consumed each day, and Indian Oil Corporation, along with other oil firms, is ensuring consistent supply," he said.

Nevertheless, the state needs around 44,000 commercial LPG cylinders each day. As per the Centre's directives, only 20 percent of the overall commercial LPG demand can currently be met.

"Twenty percent of 44,000 translates to about 8,500 cylinders. Despite this limitation, the state has managed to secure approximately 9,000 commercial cylinders," Muniyappa noted.

He emphasized that the government, in collaboration with Indian Oil Corporation and other oil companies, has prioritized distribution to essential sectors.

Thus, around 4,200 cylinders are being allocated to educational institutions, student hostels, hospitals, and other essential services. Approximately 1,200 cylinders are distributed to government public sector enterprises and canteens at airports, railway stations, bus terminals, Nandini outlets, and Indira Canteens.

Additionally, around 500 cylinders—which constitute about 8 percent of the available supply—are designated for sectors like seed processing, food processing industries, agriculture and allied sectors, geological parks, and sports hostels.

Muniyappa assured that the government is closely monitoring the situation and working alongside the Centre and oil companies to stabilize the supply of commercial LPG cylinders in the upcoming days.