Kolkata: As the LPG supply situation starts improving after the war-affected disruptions, oil marketing companies begin releasing up to 50% of the demand for commercial cylinders in Kolkata, offering relief to restaurants, bakeries and the hospitality sector. But the partial restoration comes with a rider: commercial users must agree to shift to piped natural gas (PNG) even though there’s no functional PNG network in the city.Dealers said the move brought cautious optimism among businesses that struggled with erratic supplies. “The release of 50% allocation is a big relief,” said Bijon Bihari Biswas, spokesperson for LPG dealers. “But many are confused about signing the LNG or PNG clause when there is no infrastructure for it yet.”The clause for switching to piped gas once it is available is in line with a Union oil ministry directive, linking extra LPG allocation to registration with city gas distribution networks. An OMC official said: “Even in cities, like Kolkata, where PNG is not yet operational, consumers need to sign a readiness clause to be eligible for additional LPG supply.”
