Bengaluru, March 30 (NationPress) — Food and Civil Supplies Minister K.H. Muniyappa announced on Monday that the state government has taken measures to enhance the distribution of commercial LPG cylinders, reassuring hotel proprietors that deliveries will commence again on Tuesday. He has also called upon the Central government to address the ongoing shortage.

Speaking to reporters, Muniyappa revealed that an official directive regarding the allocation of commercial cooking gas was released on Sunday. “The order will be dispatched to distributors today, enabling the supply of LPG cylinders to restart tomorrow. The previously halted distribution channels will require some time to become fully operational,” he explained.

He mentioned that oil companies are set to send cylinders to distributors today, and as promised, approximately 17,500 cooking gas cylinders will be provided to hotel owners daily. “There is no need for hotel owners to panic. They will receive their cylinders as guaranteed,” he assured.

Additionally, the minister advised domestic consumers to refrain from rushing to distributors. “Consumers should schedule bookings for cylinders every 25 days in urban locations and every 45 days in rural areas. They will receive their supplies accordingly,” he stated.

Muniyappa stressed the necessity for the Central government to intervene, asserting that the responsibility for resolving this crisis falls on them. He noted the government's push for LPG adoption, stating, “People have been encouraged to transition from firewood and electric induction stoves to LPG. If restrictions are enforced suddenly, it is the Centre's obligation to rectify the situation.”

He further pointed out that hotels and related businesses have been established with a reliable LPG supply in mind. “If supply is suddenly cut off, alternative arrangements must be made. I urge the Prime Minister, the Central government, and the Union Petroleum Minister to ensure sufficient supply,” he pleaded.

In response to complaints that gas agencies were not distributing cylinders even after the designated period, Muniyappa clarified that agencies must accept bookings after 25 days in urban areas and 45 days in rural areas. “If agencies do not deliver cylinders, consumers can lodge complaints with the respective gas companies or consult area managers,” he added.

Reiterating his appeal, the minister stated the Centre must act promptly to resolve the situation and avert public discontent. “This crisis has sparked considerable outrage among the populace, and immediate actions are crucial,” he noted.

Previously, Muniyappa stated that the Centre has pledged to supply 29,463 commercial LPG cylinders to the state. Consequently, the delivery of commercial LPG has increased from 40% to 68%. Initially, the state was receiving only 20% of its allocation, with 9,544 cylinders delivered daily. This rose to 40%, with the delivery rate increasing to 16,105.

The minister also cautioned gas distributors to provide LPG cylinders at the government-set prices, warning that any involvement in black market activities would lead to the cancellation of their licenses. Muniyappa confirmed that 17,500 LPG cylinders would be allocated to hotels, dhabas, restaurants, factories, KMF milk dairies, community kitchens, PG canteens, and sports residential centres.

Approximately 4,200 LPG cylinders will be designated for educational institutions, residential facilities, hospitals, and other essential centres. Seed processing, agriculture, pharmaceutical, fisheries, poultry, and sericulture sectors will receive 6,000 LPG cylinders. Furthermore, 1,200 cylinders will be distributed to government departments, public sector units, airports, railway stations, and bus stand canteens. The remaining 563 LPG cylinders will be allocated according to requirements.