Chandigarh: With the Centre resuming the 70% allocation of LPG for the non-domestic users’ category in Chandigarh, commercial establishments —particularly hotels, bars and restaurants — have emerged as the main beneficiaries of the move.While the central govt has asked states and UTs to focus on industries and industrial units, officials said Chandigarh has limited industrial activity compared to other states. As a result, the food and supplies department of the UT administration, in coordination with oil companies, is ensuring required supply of non-domestic LPG primarily to food-related commercial entities in the city.Sources in the Chandigarh administration told TOI that while the ministry of petroleum and natural gas has issued clear guidelines, several industrial categories listed by the ministry do not exist in the city. “Therefore, the focus in Chandigarh remains on key commercial sectors such as hotels, restaurants and eateries. At the same time, requirements of existing industrial units are also being closely monitored to ensure adequate supply,” sources said. They added that officials of the food and supplies department are in regular contact with oil companies and their local representatives to ensure proper availability and regulated use of the permitted 70% LPG allocation for non-domestic users.Apart from ensuring seamless LPG supply, the ministry has directed the Chandigarh administration to give a significant push to piped natural gas (PNG), especially for non-domestic users. The UT has also been asked to assess the feasibility of expanding PNG pipeline infrastructure across the city. Sources said state-level coordinators are in touch with oil companies to facilitate the expansion of PNG coverage.However, non-domestic units that are completely dependent on LPG have been exempted from mandatory registration for PNG. UT sources said that oil companies have already initiated the process of registering non-domestic users for PNG, and the food and supplies department is coordinating with them to ensure compliance with central govt guidelines.In a communication to the Chandigarh administration, the ministry of petroleum and natural gas stated that while applications for PNG connections through City Gas Distribution (CGD) entities are generally required to avail bulk LPG under the allocation, this condition will be waived for industries where LPG is an integral input in the manufacturing process or is used for specialised purposes that cannot be substituted by natural gas. The ministry also asked the UT administration to circulate the Natural Gas and Petroleum Products Distribution (Pipelines and Other Facilities) Order, 2026, among all concerned departments and bodies.BOX: Routine LPG supply in UT Officials said domestic supply of LPG in Chandigarh is continuing as per routine. The UT has around three lakh domestic LPG connections, and no cut has been made in supply. The food and supplies department is monitoring the situation in coordination with oil companies. “Booking period for domestic LPG consumers is 25 days, and there has been no change in this timeline. Chandigarh is also not entitled to kerosene supply,” an official said. Why food joints stand to gain— Chandigarh has limited industrial activity, unlike other states— Many industrial categories listed by the Centre do not exist in the city— UT administration has therefore prioritised commercial sectors, especially food-related units— Hotels, restaurants, bars and eating joints are the city’s largest non-domestic LPG consumers— Food and supplies department coordinating with oil companies to ensure supply mainly to these outlets— Continuous LPG availability seen as critical to daily operations of food businessesMSID:: 130209395 413 |
