Prakash Raj Reacts to LPG Shortage in Bengaluru, Mumbai and Chennai; Centre Says Steps Taken to Improve Supply
New Delhi: Actor Prakash Raj has reacted to the LPG shortage being reported in several Indian cities such as Bengaluru, Mumbai and Chennai. The actor said the shortage is affecting homes, hotels and even crematoriums.
The LPG supply problem comes at a time when global fuel supply chains are under pressure due to tensions in West Asia. Industry groups and restaurant associations have reported disruptions in the supply of commercial LPG cylinders in some cities.
Prakash Raj’s Reaction
Reacting to the situation, Prakash Raj shared a post on the social media platform X.
In his post, the actor wrote: “Dear Citizens as we see. Homes.. hotels.. and even crematoriums affected.. lets see how Gobhi bhakts react #justasking”
The post highlighted the impact of the LPG shortage on daily life and essential services. The comment quickly triggered strong reactions online.
Some users supported the actor and said the government should address the LPG supply problem quickly. Others argued that the shortage is part of a wider global fuel crisis caused by geopolitical tensions in West Asia.
Reactions From Social Media Users
Several users on X also reacted to the post shared by Prakash Raj.
One user wrote, “How do you expect the prices to go down when there is an ongoing war with our exporter.”
Another user criticised the situation and posted, “Wow. Homes destroyed, hotels in chaos, and even crematoriums hit, this isn’t just bad luck, it’s a full-blown disaster hitting every corner of life. #Feku is still enjoying taxpayers’ money.”
The reactions reflected the divided public opinion online, with some people linking the crisis to global geopolitical tensions while others criticised the government over the situation.
LPG Prices Increase During Supply Crisis
At the same time, LPG prices have also gone up across the country.
The price of domestic LPG cylinders increased by around ₹60. Commercial LPG cylinders used by restaurants and hotels saw a bigger rise of about ₹114 to ₹115.
Experts say the price rise is linked to the global fuel market. Tensions in West Asia have affected energy supply chains and increased fuel costs.
West Asia is an important region for global fuel supply. A major shipping route called the Strait of Hormuz carries a large share of LPG shipments used by India.
Because India imports a large portion of its LPG, disruptions in global supply can quickly affect the country.
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Restaurants and Hotels Facing Problems
The shortage has especially affected restaurants and hotels that use 19-kilogram commercial LPG cylinders for cooking.
Hotel and restaurant associations in Bengaluru have warned that many kitchens could shut down if supplies do not improve soon.
Industry representatives say restaurants in the city together use about 40,000 LPG cylinders every day. Many businesses say they now have very limited stock left.
Small food stalls, tea shops and roadside eateries that depend completely on LPG are also worried about the shortage.
Mumbai Restaurants Also Hit
The hospitality industry in Mumbai is also facing problems because of the shortage.
Industry groups said around 20 percent of restaurants and hotels in the city have temporarily closed because they could not get commercial LPG cylinders.
Restaurant associations warned that more businesses may stop operations if the situation continues.
Many restaurants also provide food services to hospitals, offices, railway passengers and college hostels. Because of this, the shortage could affect many essential services.
Chennai Hospitality Sector Raises Concerns
Hotel associations in Chennai have also raised alarms about LPG supply.
Industry representatives warned that continued disruptions could affect the food service industry in the region.
The association reportedly wrote to Narendra Modi requesting the government to ensure regular LPG supply for restaurants and hotels.
They said the hospitality sector operates 24 hours a day and provides food to hospitals, IT parks, hostels and travellers. Because of this, stable LPG supply is very important.
Government Issues Statement
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas responded to the concerns and said the government is taking steps to increase LPG availability.
In a statement shared on X, the ministry said the following:
In light of current geopolitical disruptions to fuel supply and constraints on supply of LPG, Ministry has issued orders to oil refineries for higher LPG production and using such extra production for domestic LPG use.
The ministry has prioritised domestic LPG supply to households and introduced 25 day inter-booking period to avoid hoarding/black marketing. Non domestic supplies from imported LPG is being prioritised to essential non domestic sectors such as Hospitals and Educational institutions.
For LPG supply to other non-domestic sectors, a committee of three EDs of OMCs have been constituted to review the representations for LPG supply to restaurants/hotels/other industries.
LPG Supply for Essential Sectors
The government also said imported LPG will be prioritised for important sectors such as hospitals and educational institutions.
For other commercial sectors that require LPG, the ministry said a committee has been formed to review requests.
The committee will study requests from restaurants, hotels and other industries to decide how LPG supply can be provided during the shortage.
Oil Companies Responsible for Distribution
The committee includes executive directors from major oil marketing companies that distribute LPG across India.
These companies include:
Indian Oil Corporation
Bharat Petroleum
Hindustan Petroleum
These companies manage the supply of LPG cylinders across the country through their distribution networks.
The government said the committee will review requests from businesses and decide how LPG can be distributed during the current supply problem.
India Depends Heavily on LPG Imports
Energy experts say India imports a large amount of LPG to meet domestic demand.
Much of this LPG comes from countries in West Asia. Because of this, any disruption in global shipping routes or fuel supply can quickly affect availability in India.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the most important routes for transporting oil and gas. A large number of LPG shipments pass through this route before reaching countries like India.
If tensions or conflicts affect this route, LPG supply and prices can be impacted.
Possible Economic Impact
Experts say the LPG shortage could also affect the economy if it continues for a long time.
Restaurants and hotels depend on LPG for cooking. If supplies remain low, many businesses may have to close temporarily or reduce services.
Small food vendors and street-side eateries could also suffer financial losses.
Industry groups have also warned that food prices could rise if restaurants start using alternative sources like electricity for cooking.
Authorities Monitoring the Situation
The government has said it is closely watching LPG supply across the country and working with oil companies to improve availability.
Authorities are trying to increase production, manage imports and ensure that essential sectors continue to receive LPG.
The coming weeks will show whether the supply situation improves in cities like Bengaluru, Mumbai and Chennai or if households and businesses will continue to face problems due to the LPG shortage.
khushisikarwar is an award-winning journalist and content creator who thrives on telling stories that matter. As a key contributor to Newsisland, [she] focus on cultural commentary, providing readers with thought-provoking insights.
